Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Sabah Zita Benson, has called for an independent and thorough investigation into the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several high-ranking government officials in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Benson expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as painful and disturbing. “This is really painful… so bad. It hurts,” she wrote, before urging authorities to preserve the crash site for detailed forensic analysis.
“The crash site must be preserved for investigation just in case someone fiddled with the helicopter.”
Her remarks follow the deadly crash of a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter that killed Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye. The three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also lost their lives.
Benson’s statement has reignited concerns about the politicization of the military, suggesting that the possibility of foul play should not be dismissed.
“The military is partisan. An investigation must be conducted,” she insisted, highlighting the urgency for transparency and impartiality in uncovering the cause of the crash.
The Ghana Armed Forces have confirmed that investigations are underway after the helicopter went off radar en route to Obuasi.
Though initial reports suggest mechanical failure cannot be ruled out, calls like Benson’s point to growing public demand for openness and accountability.
