Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is currently in a collaborative process with aviation experts and the manufacturers of the Z-9 military helicopter, which tragically crashed on August 6.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, shared this information yesterday, emphasizing that the anti-crash recorder has been successfully retrieved and is being preserved for the ongoing investigations.
“We are in the process of consulting with experts and manufacturers to determine the best approach for incorporating the recorder into the investigation,” he noted.
Lt. Gen. Agyapong further explained that the analysis of the recorder’s contents, along with other evidence, will significantly inform the scope of the investigation into the incident.
His remarks came during a courtesy visit from the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), who expressed their condolences to the military over the losses incurred in the crash, which included three of our dedicated military officers.
The meeting also provided a platform to discuss the importance of addressing misinformation and disinformation related to the unfortunate event, as well as recent concerns regarding the treatment of journalists by military personnel.
Lt. Gen. Agyapong expressed sincere appreciation to the GJA for their compassionate outreach and their commitment to respectful coverage of this sensitive tragedy.
He acknowledged that, while the GAF has not provided daily updates, immediate and effective actions were taken following the incident, with rescue protocols initiated within 30 minutes of losing contact with the aircraft. He described the crash site as a challenging location, situated 800 feet above sea level in a dense forest, noting that the initial disturbance of the scene by local residents occurred prior to the military’s arrival.
“Despite the inherent challenges, our team responded promptly, secured the site, and utilized available resources to recover the remains,” he recalled.
The CDS further detailed that the remains were transported from the crash site to Kumasi, placed into coffins adorned with national colors, and subsequently transported to Accra—all accomplished within an impressive timeframe of 10 hours.
“Considering the difficult terrain and the urgency of the situation, this was one of the most efficient helicopter recovery operations in the country’s history,” he remarked.
Additionally, he reinforced the GAF’s commitment to upholding the rights of journalists, stating that they do not condone any form of harassment and are dedicated to investigating reported incidents thoroughly.
He extended his apologies to any journalists who have experienced discomfort during their duties, emphasizing, “This is not in alignment with our training, and we address such instances appropriately.
” The President of the GJA, Albert Dwumfour, respectfully encouraged the GAF to provide regular updates on the ongoing investigations, highlighting that consistent communication is essential to counter any potential misinformation or speculation.
He poignantly noted the impact of the loss of eight distinguished citizens, including two serving ministers, stating that it is a significant blow not only to the military and government but to our nation as a whole.
“Ghana has lost invaluable leaders, fathers, brothers, mentors, and friends. These individuals dedicated themselves to serving their country, and their sudden loss has created a profound void,” he expressed.
Mr. Dwumfour acknowledged the swift response of the military to the tragedy while urging that transparency and timely information-sharing should remain priorities as the investigation moves forward.
“Even in the absence of new developments, it’s important for the public to be informed. Communication, even about the lack of new information, is better than silence, as silence can lead to the spread of rumors and speculation,” he advised.
In closing, the GJA President reiterated the importance of addressing the recent reports of assaults on journalists by military personnel, emphasizing that unaddressed incidents could potentially erode the longstanding trust between the media and the Armed Forces.
“We recognize the critical role journalists play in our democracy and advocate for their right to work without fear of intimidation or harm,” he stressed.
He called on military leadership to not only investigate these reported incidents promptly but also to communicate the outcomes clearly to both the victims and the public.
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