Ghana Invites US Experts to Investigate Deadly Military Helicopter Crash

The Government of Ghana has called on the United States for technical assistance in investigating the recent military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives. The tragic accident, involving a Z9 military helicopter, occurred last week and has prompted President John Dramani Mahama to order a thorough, transparent, and independent probe.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that American aviation experts will soon arrive in Ghana to study and analyse the helicopter’s black box, which was recovered from the crash site. The move, he explained, is to ensure public confidence in the investigation and eliminate any suspicions of bias or conflict of interest.

“We have formally requested the Americans to assist us with the investigation. Their expertise in these matters is widely recognised, and their involvement will help us meet international gold standards,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

The Minister added that the Chinese manufacturers of the Z9 helicopter have also been contacted and are on standby to support the process, in line with aviation investigation protocols. However, President Mahama insisted that the investigation should not proceed without independent experts overseeing the work.

Mr Ablakwa assured the public that the government will keep Ghanaians informed at every stage of the investigation, from the arrival of the experts to the release of the final report. He also addressed concerns about the lack of frequent updates, explaining that the probe has not yet started pending the experts’ arrival, while also taking into account national security considerations.

Honouring the victims of the crash, the Minister stressed the importance of upholding the principles they stood for: transparency, accountability, and good governance. “These values must continue to be advanced even as they are no longer with us,” he said.

The involvement of US experts is expected to boost public trust in the investigation, with the government pledging that no detail will be concealed in uncovering the truth behind one of Ghana’s deadliest military aviation accidents.