The committee tasked to investigate the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter crash that claimed eight (8) lives on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, has disclosed that the tragedy happened following a sudden loss of altitude and lift, which was triggered by a powerful downdraft. The downdraft is essentially a strong current of air that moves vertically downward, causing a loss of lift for an aircraft.
Presenting the findings at a press briefing held at the Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana’s presidency, on Tuesday, November 11, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a member of the committee, explained that the aircraft experienced abrupt changes in environmental conditions while flying over high terrain, leading to the fatal descent.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft. This loss of altitude without a change in power or pitch altitude is consistent with a downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain,” Captain Forjoe stated.
The committee, chaired by the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, was tasked with determining the cause of the crash and recommending preventive measures. Its final report highlighted technical, operational, and environmental factors that contributed to the accident.
The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft departed Accra at about 9:12 a.m. for Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining operation but lost radar contact before crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
All eight passengers and crew on board perished, including senior government officials and military officers such as Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Safety
The investigative committee’s report revealed that the tragedy could have been avoided if the aircraft had been equipped with enhanced safety and navigation equipment. Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe said the lack of key systems critically limited the pilot’s situational
“The crash could have been prevented if it had had enhanced equipment. And it could have put the pilot in a better situational awareness mode. And it could have put them in a much better position to make better decisions, which could have prevented this.
“What they went through, even the best anywhere would have struggled to get out of, with the limited instruments they had. If you have all these other enhancements, it really helps,” he said.
Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe disclosed that the Harbin Z-9EH helicopter lacked key safety systems, including the Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS/EGPWS), advanced terrain mapping and navigation capabilities, and automatic flight control systems.
Response
Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe also described the emergency response to the incident as timely, considering the difficult conditions at the crash site. He explained that first responders reached the site within two hours of the crash despite severe terrain and poor weather.
“The fact that these first responders managed to get to the site in about two hours was remarkable because the terrain has very steep slopes,” he said.
“It was raining, it was slippery, so it wasn’t the easiest thing to do… we can confidently say the emergency response was very timely.”
Recommendations
The committee recommended urgent safety upgrades and the modernisation of the Ghana Air Force fleet to prevent future accidents. The committee highlighted the need for modern aircraft equipped with terrain avoidance warning systems, advanced navigation systems, voice recorders, and audiovisual-capable flight data recorders.
The committee also emphasised the importance of recurrent training using certified simulators and contracted aviation experts, as well as the development of en-route navigational aids, particularly in remote areas.
“There is a definite need to modernise the fleet of the Ghana Air Force. Implementing these safety recommendations will help prevent future accidents from recurring.
The August 6 crash was an unfortunate and sudden weather-related incident, but investing in modern technology and training will significantly improve operational safety,” the committee stated.
Among the key safety recommendations made by the committee are, first, the acquisition of modern aircraft with terrain avoidance warning systems and advanced navigation systems.
Second, equip aircraft with voice recorders and audiovisual-capable flight data recorders.
Third, invest in simulators for recurrent training, and contract certified aviation experts.
Fourth, develop en route navigational aids, especially in remote areas and lastly, establish a flight data monitoring and en route tracking system.
