News
Poor weather and downdraft caused military Helicopter crash – Investigation Report
The investigation into the military helicopter crash that killed eight people on August 6, 2025, this year has concluded that the accident was caused by sudden bad weather and a powerful downdraft that forced the aircraft to lose altitude unexpectedly.
According to Captain Paul Fodjour, Head of Investigations at the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB-Ghana), the helicopter encountered severe weather conditions shortly before the crash.
He made this known on Tuesday when he presented the final report of the probe team to the public in Accra.
The helicopter, identified as Z-9EH with tail number GHF 631, was flying from Accra to Obuasi on August 6, 2025, when it crashed in the Ashanti Region.
All three crew members and five passengers on board lost their lives.
Following the tragedy, President John Dramani Mahama directed that a full investigation be conducted to determine the cause of the accident and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
The investigation team, led by COP Abdul Razak Osman, National Security Coordinator, included experts from the Ghana Armed Forces, AIB-Ghana, the National Intelligence Bureau, and the U.S. Air Force.
Captain Fodjour explained that the aircraft was airworthy and had passed all necessary safety checks before takeoff.
However, it lacked modern safety systems such as a terrain awareness warning system, autopilot, and advanced navigation features, which could have helped the crew detect and avoid danger.
He revealed that the flight had been delayed earlier due to poor weather, but conditions worsened midair.
“Visibility deteriorated rapidly due to mist and low clouds. The crew tried to climb to clear rising terrain but suddenly lost altitude and crashed about six and a half miles from Obuasi” he said.
According to him, the investigation determined that a downdraft, a sudden downward movement of air caused by changing weather conditions over hilly terrain was the main factor that led to the crash.
“The accident was an unfortunate and sudden weather-related event. The crew were experienced and medically fit, and the aircraft was mechanically sound,” Captain Fodjour stated.
He commended the emergency response teams for their swift reaction.
“Despite the rough terrain, rain, and slippery conditions, rescue teams reached the crash site within two hours. Their effort was remarkable,” he said.
The final report made several safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.
These include the modernisation of the Ghana Air Force fleet with aircraft equipped with terrain warning and modern navigation systems, the installation of cockpit voice and flight data recorders with audiovisual capability, and investment in flight simulators for pilot training.
The report called for the contracting of certified aviation weather service providers, the establishment of flight data monitoring and real-time tracking systems, and the expansion of navigational aids across the country, especially in remote areas.
Captain Fodjour said implementing these recommendations would help strengthen Ghana’s aviation safety system.
He expressed appreciation to the National Security Secretariat, U.S. and Chinese partners, and the AIB-Ghana team for their technical and logistical support throughout the investigation.
“Our goal is to turn this tragic event into lessons that will make aviation in Ghana safer,” Captain Fodjour said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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