Investigators have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the military helicopter that crashed in Ghana, killing eight people including two senior government ministers, President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed.
In a national address on Thursday evening, he announced that authorities have launched a full investigation into Wednesday’s tragedy in Adansi Akrofuom. There were no survivors in the crash.
“The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved,” the president stated, providing hope that investigators will be able to determine the cause of the crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed.
An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been established by the Ghana Armed Forces to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash of the Z-9 helicopter, which went down shortly after departing Accra for Obuasi.
The recovery of the black box represents a crucial development in the investigation, as the devices contain vital information about the aircraft’s final moments, including flight parameters and cockpit conversations that could reveal what went wrong.
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All eight bodies have been recovered from the crash site, with the government working closely with bereaved families on identification and final arrangements.
Besides the two ministers, the victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, National Democratic Congress Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong, NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Air Force personnel.
The military crew members who died were Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
President Mahama assured the nation of a “full and transparent investigation” into the crash, which has been described as one of Ghana’s deadliest aviation disasters in over a decade.
The helicopter had been carrying a government delegation to Obuasi to launch the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme when it crashed in the Ashanti Region.
Aviation experts say the black box data will be crucial in determining whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure, human error, or adverse weather conditions.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences from international partners, including the United States and the African Union, as Ghana observes three days of national mourning.
President Mahama has announced that a state funeral will be held on 15th August at the Black Star Square to honour the eight victims.
