In a recent public briefing, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a member of the investigative committee that examined the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, commended the emergency response efforts as notably swift despite the challenging circumstances surrounding the incident.
Delivering the committee’s findings on November 11, Captain Forjoe highlighted the remarkable efficiency of first responders who arrived at the crash site within two hours of the incident. He acknowledged the formidable obstacles they faced, including treacherous terrain and inclement weather conditions at the site.
“The fact that these first responders managed to reach the location in approximately two hours is quite impressive,” Captain Forjoe remarked. “The area has steep slopes, and during this time, it was raining and the ground was slippery—which made the task all the more hazardous. We can confidently affirm that the emergency response was effectively timely.”
The investigative committee, led by Acting Minister for Defence Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, was entrusted with the responsibility of uncovering the factors that led to the unfortunate crash and offering recommendations to avert similar incidents in the future. According to their comprehensive report, the helicopter—a Harbin Z-9EH military aircraft bearing the tail number GHF 631—suffered a catastrophic loss of altitude and lift as a result of a downdraft while navigating over high terrain.
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The helicopter, which was part of the Ghana Air Force, was conducting an anti-illegal mining operation and had taken off from Accra en route to Obuasi when it lost radar contact and subsequently crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. Tragically, all eight individuals on board, which included senior government officials and military personnel, perished in the accident.
Captain Forjoe emphasized that the committee's conclusions were drawn from an extensive analysis of technical data, eyewitness testimonies, and environmental conditions that were present at the time of the crash. He noted that the results of the investigation offer crucial insights into both the underlying reasons for the incident and the emergency response that followed.
The findings of the committee are expected to play a vital role in enhancing safety measures within the military aviation sector, reinforcing the importance of preparedness in the face of unpredictable circumstances. As the investigation sheds light on the root causes of this tragic event, authorities seek to ensure that lessons learned will contribute to future aviation safety and operational protocols in Ghana.
The thorough approach taken by the committee not only underscores the significance of timely response during emergencies but also reflects the commitment of the Ghanaian authorities to improving the safety of its military operations.
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