Speaking exclusively to Eastern FM 105.1 MHz, the Head of Public Relations for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, confirmed that the Service is working closely with other state security agencies to conduct a full-scale investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash.
“This is a national tragedy. For incidents of this nature, it does not just warrant the response of the GNFS alone,” Mr. Ackah explained. “Aviation accidents involve complex factors, so our response is collaborative. We do interagency operations, and we are heavily involved, particularly with rescue, extrication, and addressing any fire hazards.”
He added that investigations are still in the early stages, and no definitive cause of the crash has been established. “We are examining all possibilities — mechanical failure, weather conditions, flight communications, and even human error — all of which will be explored as part of the inquiry.”
Grim Scene and Emergency Response
According to reports obtained by Eastern FM 105.1 MHz, emergency response teams comprising personnel from the GNFS, Ghana Armed Forces, National Ambulance Service, and the Police Service were immediately dispatched to the scene upon confirmation that the helicopter had vanished from radar.
What they found was devastating.
Images and videos taken by first responders and verified by Eastern FM 105.1 MHz showed the charred wreckage of the Z-9 military aircraft scattered across the forest floor. The remains of the victims were burned beyond recognition, making initial identification difficult and emotionally harrowing for the rescue teams involved.
The remote and rugged nature of the crash site posed significant challenges to the rescue effort. Heavy machinery and aerial reconnaissance were deployed to aid the search and recovery mission, while security was tightened in the area to secure the site for investigators.
National Leaders React with Shock and Sorrow
The crash has shaken the highest levels of government and drawn widespread grief across the political divide. Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining sensitization programme in a nearby community, abandoned his engagement upon hearing of the crash and made his way to the scene.
Speaking to Eastern FM 105.1 MHz, Dr. Amoakohene described the incident as “a dark day for Ghana” and emphasized the government’s commitment to uncovering the full facts surrounding the accident.
In response to the tragedy, the President of the Republic has ordered that all national flags be flown at half-mast across the country for one week in honour of the deceased. A national memorial is also expected to be held in the coming days.
Public and International Reactions
Since news of the incident broke, an outpouring of condolences has flooded in from citizens, diplomats, international partners, and civil society organizations. Many have taken to social media to share their grief and call for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to the loss of so many prominent figures.
Next Steps: Search for Answers Continues
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and international aviation safety experts, is expected to lead the technical investigation into the crash. Aviation black box data, maintenance logs, pilot communication records, and witness testimonies will all form part of the evidence under review.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces has grounded all Z-9 helicopters pending the outcome of safety checks and technical audits. The Z-9 is a Chinese-manufactured military utility helicopter that has been in service with the Ghana Armed Forces for several years.
In its coverage of the incident, Eastern FM 105.1 MHz will continue to provide in-depth reports, expert interviews, and on-the-ground updates as the story develops.
STORY BY: KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
NEWS ROOM
