Captain Michael Yao Foli, a respected aviation analyst, has warned that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) should not be the sole body investigating the August 6 military helicopter crash, stressing the need for an independent, transparent inquiry.
His concerns follow President John Dramani Mahama’s televised assurance that a full investigation was already underway. In his Thursday night address, the President confirmed that the GAF had set up a Board of Inquiry and recovered both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.
“As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash”
President John Dramani Mahama
Capt. Foli, however, argued in an interview that the military’s role should be limited to its internal review, with the main investigation conducted by Ghana’s independent Accident Investigation Board and other relevant authorities, including the aircraft’s manufacturer.
“What should concern the public, especially the relatives of the deceased and also the travelling public and all sympathizers, is ‘what is the cause of this accident?’.
“The military’s role is even minute in this process. They owned the helicopter, they serviced it, they dispatched it, they chose the crew, so they are not the ones to investigate this accident in the broader sense”
Captain Michael Yao Foli, Aviation Analyst
He emphasised that independent investigators must review maintenance records, crew training, and the flight plan, and work alongside the aircraft manufacturer to ensure a credible and thorough probe.
“Civil Aviation is in charge of all aviation in Ghana. So they are the ones who will hand over this investigation to the independent Accident Investigation Board. The military can do their thing but we the public, we’re watching them because this is a national issue”
Captain Michael Yao Foli, Aviation Analyst
BPS Weighs In
Aligning with Capt. Foli, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) also urged President Mahama to immediately reconstitute the crash investigation panel, warning that allowing the GAF to lead the probe could erode public trust and undermine transparency.
The BPS argued that the military’s direct involvement in operating, maintaining, and deploying the crashed helicopter presents a conflict of interest.
“An institution cannot credibly investigate itself in a matter of this magnitude, particularly where public trust, national security, and the loss of high-ranking public officials are at stake”
BPS
The BPS outlined three main concerns with a military-led investigation: possible conflict of interest; limited public disclosure due to military confidentiality; and the deviation from global best practices, including “ICAO Annex 13 requirements,” which call for independent investigation authorities to handle such cases.
Citing examples from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, the Bureau noted that when military aircraft accidents have significant public safety implications, independent agencies lead the investigations, with military cooperation but without military control.
Joint Recommendations
To ensure credibility and compliance with international norms, the Capt. Foli and the BPS recommended reconstituting the panel to include: an independent chairperson with no operational or command ties to the GAF, civil aviation safety experts, both Ghanaian and international, and observers from Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee.
They also called for Representatives from independent safety advocacy bodies and technical advisors from ICAO or regional accident investigation organisations.
“This diverse, independent structure will not only meet international benchmarks but will also preserve the credibility of the investigation and uphold Ghana’s commitment to transparency and public accountability”
BPS
The August 6 crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, including senior military officers.
Both Capt. Foli and the BPS have stressed that while the GAF’s technical cooperation is vital, the lead role must rest with an independent investigative authority to ensure that the nation receives the full truth behind the crash.
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