The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a strong appeal to the public particularly media practitioners, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators—to exercise restraint and ensure factual accuracy when discussing the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight personnel on board.
In a statement signed by Acting Director General of Public Relations, Captain V.A. Arhin, the GAF expressed deep concern over the increasing circulation of speculative and unverified information about the tragic incident. It cautioned that such unfounded reports risk misleading the public and inflicting further pain on the bereaved families.
“For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families,” the statement read.
The GAF acknowledged the strong public interest in the crash but emphasized that thorough investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. The Armed Forces assured that no effort will be spared in uncovering the facts, including the possibility of engaging international aviation experts if necessary, to bring closure to the tragedy.
The statement warned that at this stage, any conclusions drawn from personal opinion, perception, or conjecture are both premature and misleading. Members of the public were urged to approach all information on the incident with caution and to rely only on official updates.
“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.
The Armed Forces expressed its appreciation to the government, institutions, and individuals who have extended messages of support, solidarity, and sympathy since the incident. Condolences were also extended to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased officers describing them as patriots whose sacrifices will be remembered.
“May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace,” the statement concluded.
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