The devastating crash of the Ghana Air Force Z9-EH helicopter on August 6, 2025, which killed all eight occupants, has been officially linked to a violent atmospheric event known as a downdraft. This was the key finding of the Accident Investigation Board established by President John Dramani Mahama to determine the cause of the tragedy.
The helicopter, identified as GHF 631, was en route from Accra to Obuasi when it went down in the Dampia Forest Reserve in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The board, led by National Security Coordinator COP Abdul-Osman Razak, conducted the inquiry in line with Ghana Air Force regulations and international aviation safety procedures.
After weeks of examination and analysis, the investigators concluded that the aircraft lost altitude and lift abruptly as a result of a severe downdraft. This weather event, they found, caused the helicopter to descend rapidly without any alteration in power or pitch, a hallmark of sudden downward air currents in unstable conditions over hilly terrain.
The board thoroughly reviewed the physical, psychological, and medical records of the flight crew and found no issues that could have influenced their performance. Witness observations also ruled out fatigue or impairment, confirming that all three crew members were in good condition prior to take-off.
While no human error was established, the investigation identified broader institutional weaknesses within Ghana’s aviation system. Among the systemic concerns highlighted were limited national weather-monitoring infrastructure, insufficient simulator training for pilots, and the absence of key safety mechanisms such as flight data monitoring and real-time tracking technologies.
To enhance safety standards, the board recommended a comprehensive upgrade of the Ghana Air Force’s equipment and training programmes. It urged the acquisition of aircraft fitted with advanced navigation and terrain avoidance systems, as well as cockpit voice and flight data recorders with audio-visual capabilities. The report also advocated for investments in flight simulators, improved weather forecasting partnerships, and the deployment of en route navigational aids and tracking systems.
The findings were presented at the Jubilee House, with Captain Paul Forjoe (retired) delivering the technical summary on behalf of the committee. Members included experts from the Ghana Air Force, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau, and other specialised agencies.
Among those who lost their lives were high-ranking state officials: Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, and former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong. Also aboard were Deputy NADMO Coordinator Samuel Aboagye and the Air Force crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah—all of whom received posthumous promotions.
The report described the incident as a sudden and unavoidable weather-related disaster, stressing that the implementation of its recommendations would be vital in preventing similar tragedies and strengthening the safety of Ghana’s aviation operations.
