The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has warned that allowing the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to lead the investigation into Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash risks undermining the inquiry’s credibility.
The BPS noted that the GAF, as the operator of the ill-fated aircraft, is an “interested party” in the case, and its involvement in determining the cause of the crash presents a clear conflict of interest.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, August 9, BPS Executive Director Dr. Nana Yaw Akwadaa cautioned that such an arrangement could reduce transparency and erode public trust in the findings.
“We called for the investigations not to be led by the Ghana Armed Forces because in this respect, the GAF is an interested party in the outcome. If they investigate this incident, the chances of not getting the transparency we need are very high. Considering the public anxiety and numerous allegations, we believe that if the GAF leads this investigation, it will undermine public confidence,” Dr. Akwadaa said.
The caution follows the August 6 crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, which claimed nine lives, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Initial reports indicate the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter was travelling from Accra to Obuasi when it went off radar. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Dr. Akwadaa emphasised that for the investigation to be credible, it must be led by an independent body made up of civil aviation safety experts and relevant oversight institutions.
Meanwhile, the state funeral for the eight victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15.
