The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged media practitioners and the public to refrain from speculative and unsubstantiated commentary regarding 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 issued by the Department of Public Relations at Burma Camp, the GAF expressed concern over the circulation of opinions and conjectures that could mislead the public and cause further distress to the bereaved families.
“For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urges 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,” the statement read.
The military confirmed that thorough investigations have begun to determine the cause of the crash, with a commitment to collaborate with international agencies where necessary.
GAF stressed that any conclusions at this stage would be “premature and misleading” and advised the public to disregard unfounded reports.
The statement also conveyed the Armed Forces’ gratitude to the Government, institutions, and individuals who have extended their support following the tragedy.
The Ministry of Defence, the Military High Command, and the entire GAF extended their condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the souls of the departed patriots to rest in peace.
On August 6, the Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter crashed into a forested mountain area in the Adansi Akrofuom District, en route from Accra to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event.
Among the deceased were key government figures, including:
- Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
- Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
- Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Sarpong, Second National Vice Chairman of the NDC
- Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director General at NADMO
- Crew: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The crash not only claimed lives but left a leadership void in the government and security sectors during a time of heightened focus on environmental, regulatory, and national security issues.
