In a detailed analysis on X (formerly Twitter), Simons described a “complete breakdown” of the country’s SAR system after the Z-9EH helicopter went down. He said Ghana’s own SAR manual outlines a clear, multi-agency framework — from automatic distress signals to coordinated emergency response — but “when it mattered most, it failed to function.”

According to Simons, a military aircraft carrying VVIPs should have been equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) to instantly alert the global Cospas-Sarsat satellite network. This would trigger Ghana’s Rescue Coordination Centre in Accra and mobilise agencies like NADMO, the Ghana Maritime Authority, and emergency medical services. But in this case, he says, “the mechanism… simply failed to fully activate,” leaving the first response to untrained locals and delaying professional rescue teams for hours.

He also questioned why backup systems, including Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and the Air Force’s “flight following and tracking” protocol, were not engaged promptly after radar contact was lost. For Simons, this points to a deeper policy gap: Ghana’s failure to strategically position military assets.

Currently, the Air Force operates from bases in Takoradi, Accra, and Tamale, but none in the middle belt — including the crash zone. The Bui Tactical Command, responsible for that area, has no functional aircraft and even unreliable internet. Simons argued that Kumasi’s existing military facilities could host aircraft, paratroopers, and radar to meet Ghana’s one-hour SAR response standard, yet the military is instead building smaller “mini-bases” that may lack critical capabilities.

He further criticised the absence of public oversight on such strategic decisions, noting that political debates dominate national attention while vital policy accountability “has practically no audience.”

As the board of inquiry begins investigating the crash, Simons insists Ghanaians deserve answers not only about the accident but also about why the emergency response systems — designed to save lives — collapsed entirely when needed most.

source: myjoyonline

Torgbiga Dadzi urged Ghanaians to see the loss of the “Gallant Eight” as a turning point to strengthen their commitment to the nation’s development. He also called on the government to implement tougher measures to eradicate illegal mining (galamsey) — an issue the victims were working to address before their untimely deaths.

“Let us end galamsey now to honour the memories of those who gave their lives to protect our forests and water bodies,” he emphasized.

source: myjoyonline

A solemn burial service was held on Sunday, August 10, for the two Muslim victims of the August 6 helicopter crash.

The late Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, former Minister for Environment, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, lost their lives while traveling to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP), aimed at tackling illegal mining.

The ceremony, held at the Forecourt of the State House, drew high-profile dignitaries including President John Mahama, the Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the National Chief Imam.

Traditional Muslim Janazah prayers were offered for the deceased before their remains were moved to the Military Cemetery in Accra for final burial rites.

While the two Muslim victims have been laid to rest, an inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims of the crash is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square.

Myjoyonline’s David Andoh was at the ceremony and captured these moments.

source: myjoyoline

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called on Ghanaians to remain united and uphold the enduring values of the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash.

Speaking at the Evening of Reflections and Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, August 9, Debrah said the fallen leaders and service members would want the nation to “wipe our tears” and carry forward the principles they stood for — patriotism, selfless leadership, bravery, and devotion to God and country.

Honoring the Values of the Fallen

“On this day, I am sure our comrades will be urging us to wipe our tears. They would be telling us to remain united as a people and as a nation. More importantly, they would be urging us to continue striving to live by the values they stood for and died for,” he said.

The Chief of Staff added that the tragedy serves as a reminder of Ghana’s spirit of oneness, a spirit he said has been evident in the unity displayed across political and social divides.

The Tragic Loss

The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of:

• Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister

• Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

• Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Dr Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the NDC

• Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

National Mourning and Funeral Arrangements

As part of the three-day national mourning period declared by the President, the government has announced the burial rites for the two Muslim victims — Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed.

In line with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers will be held on Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Forecourt of the State House, followed by burial at the Military Cemetery in Accra.

An inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square.

Summary:
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah’s message following the Ghana helicopter crash is one of unity, shared grief, and commitment to the values the victims lived and died for. As the nation mourns, his call is for Ghanaians to honor their memory through service, patriotism, and solidarity.

source: myjoyonline

Speaking during the Evening of Reflection and Memorial for the eight victims at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, the Vice President said no words could fully convey the depth of the loss.

A Time for Compassion, Not Blame

“This is not a time for perfect words nor a time for the right thoughts, because there are none,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said, adding that the departed had “served their nation and humanity well.”

She reflected on shared encounters and cherished moments with the late colleagues, acknowledging the deep sorrow felt by family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers who mourn alongside the nation.

The Vice President cautioned against political point-scoring and the assignment of blame, instead calling for fact-based discussions to help prevent future tragedies.

Breaking Down Barriers, Building Unity

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged Ghanaians to reflect on whether the “unhelpful barriers we consciously continue to build and maintain” are worth preserving, stressing that unity must prevail in times of crisis.

“It is a time for wishing our colleagues, who have perished in the line of duty, peaceful rest. It is a time for praying for comfort for their families and for everyone,” she said.

Speaking at the Evening of Reflections and Memorial for the victims, Mahama encouraged the nation to look beyond despair and find hope in the legacies of those who perished.

“I pray that the cherished memories of these, our loved ones, will serve as a guiding light, illuminating a path through the darkness and devastation of this national tragedy,” he said.

Mahama, visibly moved, noted that his message was not just an official statement, but also a personal expression of grief.

“Each of the eight persons in that helicopter was either a friend, a cherished colleague, or a valued citizen of this country that I lead,” he added.

The victims, who included high-ranking government officials and professionals, were remembered not only for their public service but also for their deep personal impact on communities and the nation at large.

Among the deceased were:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Defence Minister

• Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology

• Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Samuel Aboagye, former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East

• Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman and former Kumasi Mayor

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

• Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

Mahama concluded by calling on Ghanaians to honor the fallen by embodying the values they stood for, turning collective grief into a force for unity and progress.

source: myjoyonline

The Regional Maritime University (RMU) has expressed profound condolences to Ghana’s government, citizens, and the bereaved families following the tragic August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that claimed the lives of distinguished individuals, per Ghana News Agency. In a press release signed by Ag. Vice Chancellor Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., RMU mourned the loss of key figures, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Ag. Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, NDC Vice Chairperson Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NADMO Deputy Director General Mr. Samuel Aboagye, and military personnel Squadron Leader Peter Befemi Anala, Flying Officer Amaning Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

On behalf of RMU’s member states—Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone—the university honored the fallen for their service, urging their memory to inspire unity and patriotism. The Ghana helicopter crash condolences reflect a nation in mourning. Stay updated on tributes and the Ghana helicopter crash condolences!

source: myjoyonline

President John Mahama, addressing the nation from Jubilee House on August 7, 2025, vowed a thorough and transparent investigation by the Ghana Armed Forces into the August 6 helicopter crash that killed several military personnel, per Ghana News Agency. Expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences, Mahama emphasized answering public demands for clarity on the tragedy’s cause.

As Ghana begins three days of national mourning, with citizens laying flowers and lighting candles until August 9, a memorial event is set for the State House. The Ghana helicopter crash investigation underscores national unity. Stay updated on the Ghana helicopter crash investigation and tributes to the fallen!

source: myjoyonline

The remains of eight victims from the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, near Sikaman in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, were flown to Accra via a Casa aircraft and deposited at the 37 Military Hospital for burial preparations, per Ghana News Agency. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, alongside dignitaries, received the bodies with clergy-led prayers on the night of the crash.

An investigation into the crash’s cause, potentially linked to poor weather, is ongoing, as reported by Adom FM. The Ghana helicopter crash victims tragedy has prompted national mourning. Stay updated on the investigation and tributes for the Ghana helicopter crash victims!

Photos credit: The Presidency

source: myjoyonline