Captain Forjoe Commends Swift Response to Helicopter Crash Despite Harsh Terrain

Captain Paul Forjoe, a retired pilot and senior aviation engineer with the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), has commended the timely and courageous response of emergency teams following the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two government ministers and senior officials.

Speaking at the official presentation of the investigative report, Captain Forjoe described the operation as remarkable, given the extremely difficult conditions under which rescuers worked.

“The fact that the first responders managed to reach the site in about two hours was remarkable, considering the terrain had very steep slopes. It was raining and slippery, so it wasn’t an easy task. We can confidently say the emergency response was very timely,” he noted.

The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter, tail number GHF 631, which departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. on August 6 for Obuasi in the Ashanti Region as part of an anti–illegal mining mission. The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact before crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District.

All eight persons on board perished. The victims included: Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice-Chair; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Captain Forjoe recounted how the rescue teams braved heavy rainfall and treacherous terrain to access the crash site.

“When we went to the site, it was raining and very slippery. We had to use sticks and other tools to make our way up there,” he recalled.

The AIB investigation team also lauded the coordinated efforts of local authorities and the Ghana Armed Forces, whose swift actions helped manage the tragedy despite severe environmental and logistical challenges.

Captain Forjoe emphasized that the professionalism and determination of the responders under such conditions demonstrated Ghana’s growing capacity in emergency and disaster management.