By Emmanuel Nduka
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media and public to avoid spreading unverified information about 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 Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the GAF expressed concern over a surge in speculative reports, warning that such narratives could mislead the public and deepen the grief of bereaved families.
“For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panellists, 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 confirmed that investigations are ongoing and may involve international collaboration if necessary. It cautioned against drawing premature conclusions based on opinion or conjecture, advising the public to be wary of misleading reports.
The statement expressed appreciation to the government and citizens for their support, honouring the victims as patriots. “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace,” it concluded.
Heritage Times HT had reported that on August 6, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9EH helicopter crashed into a forested area in Akrofuom District, Ashanti Region, killing all eight people on board. The victims included Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Mohammed Muniru, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three military crew members—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
They were travelling to an event against illegal mining when the aircraft vanished from radar and was later found in flames.
President John Mahama declared three days of national mourning, ordered flags flown at half-mast, and suspended official activities.
The tragedy has sparked calls to modernize Ghana’s aging military aircraft fleet, with Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson appointed acting Defence Minister.
