The long-anticipated official inquiry report into the fatal crash of a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter on August 6, 2025, has been made public, offering insight into the tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of eight senior personnel and crew members. Compiled by a joint panel comprising representatives from National Security, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Aircraft Accident & Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana), and supported by U.S. experts, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) report outlines pivotal findings that clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators examined flight data recorders (FDR), cockpit voice recordings (CVR), fragments...
Helicopter Crash Report: Investigative Committee Urges Modernisation Of Ghana Air Force After August 6 Crash
The committee that investigated the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including senior government officials, has called for urgent safety upgrades and the modernisation of the Ghana Air Force fleet to avert future tragedies. Presenting the committee’s findings on Tuesday, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe underscored the importance of equipping the Air Force with modern aircraft and advanced safety systems. He stressed that the accident, which was attributed to sudden adverse weather conditions, highlighted critical gaps in aviation safety infrastructure. “There is a definite need to modernise the fleet of the Ghana Air Force. Implementing these safety recommendations will...
Investigators Link August 6 Helicopter Crash to Severe Weather and Downdraft
The chief investigator into the August 6 helicopter disaster, Captain Paul Fordjour, has disclosed that adverse weather conditions caused a significant delay in the Z-9 helicopter’s departure, pushing it back by nearly an hour. The flight had been scheduled to lift off at 8:00 a.m. with an expected duration of about 50 minutes. However, poor weather across Accra, Kumasi, and Obuasi forced the captain to postpone the takeoff. The aircraft eventually departed at 9:12 a.m. Presenting the official report on Tuesday, Capt. Fordjour explained that visibility in southern Ghana was severely restricted that morning, with mist, drizzle, and low cloud...
GCBC Raises Alarm Over Moral Decline and Electoral Tensions
The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has cautioned that Ghana’s moral and democratic foundations are being eroded by inequality, corruption, and recurring violence. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Plenary Assembly of the GCBC at the Unity Centre in Damongo on Monday, November 10, he said Ghana’s international reputation as a beacon of democracy and peace masks a troubling reality of moral and social decline. Most Rev. Gyamfi noted that while Ghana continues to be admired across West Africa for its democratic achievements, including nine general elections and four peaceful...
Government to Release Report on Air Force Helicopter Crash
The government will today, Tuesday, November 11, make public the findings of the investigative report into the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that occurred on August 6. The release follows the submission of the final report by the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who chaired the inquiry committee. Dr. Forson presented the document to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday during a meeting of the National Security Council. At the session, the committee briefed the President and senior security officials on the outcome of their investigation. The crash, which prompted immediate concern, led to the swift establishment...
Otumfuo Schedules Final Mediation Session in Bawku Conflict
The Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has scheduled two days — November 30 and December 1, 2025 — for what is expected to be the concluding session of his mediation efforts in the protracted Bawku chieftaincy conflict. A statement signed by the Chief of Staff at the Manhyia Palace, Mr. Kofi Badu, said the mediation sessions will mark an important step toward finding a lasting resolution to the long-standing dispute. The statement commended all parties involved in the peace process for their cooperation and positive attitude so far, noting that His Majesty “praises both sides for their positive...
Minority Caucus Boycotts Chief Justice Vetting, Sparks Political Tensions
The vetting of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, President John Mahama’s nominee for Chief Justice, was marred by controversy today after the Minority Caucus in Parliament formally rejected the nomination and withdrew from the vetting process. The boycott was announced by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin following a prolonged exchange with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, which resulted in a temporary suspension of proceedings for nearly half an hour. Upon resumption, Mr. Afenyo-Markin led the Minority members in a walkout, leaving only the Majority representatives on the Appointments Committee to continue the vetting. “Be it known to you, chairman, and the committee and the...
SML Sues Special Prosecutor Over Alleged Unlawful Equipment Seizure
Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) has initiated legal proceedings at the High Court in Accra, accusing the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of illegally confiscating its servers and other critical equipment during a raid that reportedly led to the “immediate collapse” of a nationwide system used to monitor petroleum and mineral resources. In a writ of summons filed on November 10, 2025, SML is seeking the return of all seized items and demanding compensation amounting to $28,850,125.50 in special damages, along with GH₵20 million in general damages from the anti-corruption body. The lawsuit arises from a forceful search and...
25 Arrested in Crackdown on Illegal Gold Trade in Accra
In a decisive move to curb illicit activities in the gold sector, the Ghana Gold Board, working in concert with the Goldbod Taskforce and National Security operatives, has arrested 25 individuals—comprising both foreign nationals and Ghanaians—for engaging in illegal gold trading, smelting, and assaying. The arrests stemmed from two coordinated operations conducted at Dome Pillar 2 and Akweteyman-Achimota, where authorities seized over GHS 64,000 and USD 112,500 in cash, alongside several gold bars and other valuable exhibits believed to be linked to the unauthorized transactions. All suspects have been granted police inquiry bail. While some have already been arraigned before...
CJ Nominee Vetted Amid Minority Walkout
The President’s nominee for Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee today for vetting, amid a dramatic walkout by Minority members. Led by Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the opposition members exited the Committee Room after registering their protest and voting against the nominee. Afenyo-Markin insisted that the Committee’s final report must reflect their dissenting position. Despite the protest, the vetting proceeded uninterrupted. Committee Chairman Hon. Bernard Ahiafor affirmed that the remaining members constituted a quorum, allowing the process to continue in accordance with parliamentary procedure. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination has sparked debate across the political aisle, with...