Black box recovered from helicopter crash- Amoakohene
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has confirmed the recovery of the black box from the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 military helicopter that crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District on Wednesday, August 6.
The tragic crash claimed the lives of eight individuals, including high ranking government officials and military personnel, as the aircraft was en route to Obuasi for official duties.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, August 7, Dr. Amoakohene announced that a military investigative team had located the black box at the crash site. The device is expected to provide vital information to help determine the cause of the incident.
The search team, comprising officers from the Ghana Air Force and other military units, was supported by local residents and the Assembly Member for the area, who helped guide them through the dense forest terrain to the remote crash location.
Those who perished in the crash include:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Preliminary reports indicate that the helicopter went off radar shortly after takeoff, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.
Following the recovery of the remains, a solemn reception ceremony was held at the Air Force Base in Accra, attended by senior government and military officials. The remains were later transferred for further forensic examination.
Due to the condition of the bodies, samples have been flown to South Africa for advanced DNA testing to assist in confirming the identities of the deceased.
As investigations continue, the recovery of the black box marks a significant step toward uncovering the events that led to one of Ghana’s worst aviation tragedies in recent memory.
The government has declared three days of national mourning, with all state flags ordered to fly at half-mast in honour of the victims.
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