The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called for a fully independent and transparent investigation into the military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The tragic incident, which has plunged the nation into deep mourning, resulted in the deaths of high-profile government officials, including the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Also among the victims were senior national security personnel and members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 7, the BPS described the crash as a national tragedy of the highest order.
It urged both the government and the military to go beyond internal reviews and adopt global best practices for accident investigation.
The Bureau stressed that this moment requires more than condolences; it demands a credible, evidence-based inquiry and honest, transparent communication with the public.
The BPS strongly advocated for the application of the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Annexe 13 guidelines.
While originally designed for civil aviation, the Bureau argues that these international standards, centred on independence, technical rigour, and public accountability, are equally relevant in military contexts.
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According to the BPS, applying such principles is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the necessary lessons are drawn from this tragic event.
The Bureau also called on authorities to release a preliminary report within 30 days, to regularly update the public on the progress of the investigation, and to communicate the composition and leadership of the investigative team.
It urged the investigation to address fundamental questions such as the purpose and planning of the flight, the maintenance history of the aircraft, the qualifications and preparedness of the flight crew, and any communications made by the helicopter prior to the crash.
Furthermore, the BPS emphasised the importance of supporting the families of the deceased through clear communication and appropriate state protocols.
It also warned the public against speculation, cautioning that misinformation and premature conclusions could distort the facts and damage the credibility of the investigation process.
BPS called for national unity and truth, stressing that the tragedy must serve as a catalyst for strengthening safety systems and enhancing operational accountability, not just in military aviation but across all institutions.
While the Ghana Armed Forces is expected to lead the official inquiry, the BPS insists that openness and accountability must guide the entire process.
In the meantime, the nation continues to grieve.
The government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen, with funeral arrangements for the victims expected to be announced in the coming days.
