TIG Post

Tag: crash

  • Accident on Peki–Asikuma Highway claims 15 lives, leaves 25 injured

    Accident on Peki–Asikuma Highway claims 15 lives, leaves 25 injured

    Ghana continues to record a surge in road fatalities, with a recent accident on the Peki–Asikuma Highway in the Volta Region claiming the lives of 15 people and leaving 25 others injured on Tuesday, June 2 at about 1:00 a.m.

    According to the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, ADO1 Hope Bedzrah, the two commercial vehicles, which were carrying a total of 40 passengers, collided, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

    “When they got there, they realised that the two vehicles had been involved in a head-on collision. Preliminary investigations at the scene suggest that there were 40 occupants in the two vehicles,” he told Citi News.

    Earlier in May, an accident on the Buipe-Tamale road claimed the lives of four individuals. The fatal crash involved a Sprinter Benz bus traveling from Buipe to Kumasi and a trailer truck at Sawaba No. 2.

    The deceased included two females and two males, two of whom died on the spot. According to the GNFS, the trailer truck fled the scene, leaving behind the victims and wreckage as emergency responders rushed in to manage the situation.


    Meanwhile, 19 passengers are receiving medical attention at the Buipe Government Hospital. Weeks ago, a head-on collision on the Accra-Kumasi Highway claimed the life of an individual on Saturday, March 7. The deceased male, reportedly the owner of a Toyota Voxy, crashed into a parked MAN Diesel truck at Teacher Mantey.


    Detailing the incident on Facebook on Sunday, March 8, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) stated that the Toyota Voxy had badly crashed into the stationary truck prior to the arrival of the rescue team.Weeks ago, eleven (11) persons sustained injuries following a head-on collision at Eduadjei on the Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway.

    The victims, eight males and two females, are receiving medical attention at the Elmina Polyclinic. Per the Central Regional Fire Service’s account, the two vehicles, an Opel Astra (WR 4860-13) traveling from Cape Coast towards Komenda, collided head-on with a Nissan mini bus (CR 1414-23) heading from Takoradi to Cape Coast. Meanwhile, officials have yet to ascertain the cause of the accident.


    The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) recorded one thousand five hundred and four (1,504) deaths, compared to one thousand two hundred and thirty-seven (1,237) fatalities reported in the same period in 2024, representing a 21.58 percent increase in the first half of 2025.


    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year. Per the data, a total of twelve thousand three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in these crashes.


    As a result of these incidents, eight thousand three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries. Additionally, one thousand three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country.


    According to recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes. Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes.


    To help combat the rising number of road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education.


    The NRSA has emphasized the need for stronger enforcement to curb the alarming trend. The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use to ensure road safety and address related matters.


    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction:(a) where (i) a bodily injury does not occur, or (ii) a minor bodily injury occurs to a person other than the driver, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months, or to both;


    (b) where bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person other than the driver, to a minimum fine of two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years, or to both;(c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years;


    (d) where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.


    The Court may, upon conviction of a person under subsection (1), (a) order the payment of appropriate compensation to an injured person or to the estate of that person, or (b) order the withdrawal of the driver’s license for a period of not less than three years and not more than five years.


    A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both.


    A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, that person:


    (a) causes anything to be on or over a road;(b) interferes with a motor vehicle, trailer, or cycle; or(c) interferes, directly or indirectly, with traffic equipment, where it would be obvious to a reasonable person that doing so would be dangerous.


    A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, or to both.


    Meanwhile, over one-third of emergency cases at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have been linked to road crashes, according to the facility’s statistics.


    Speaking to the media, Deputy Medical Director of KATH, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, noted that road crash victims brought to the emergency unit often do not survive because their injuries are very severe.


    “A little over 30 per cent of the cases that come to this facility, this Accident and Emergency Unit, are due to accidents, and most of the accidents, a few are domestic, but the majority of them are road traffic accidents.


    “Now in Ghana, we know that our statistics, a lot of our road accidents are from errors, driver errors, pedestrian errors. And then we know that we have some percentage that is attributable to maybe things like faulty vehicles or maybe road conditions, but a lot of the accidents are preventable,” he stated.

  • AIB Ghana attributes Tema aircraft crash to poor maintenance and engine

    AIB Ghana attributes Tema aircraft crash to poor maintenance and engine

    The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has concluded its investigation into the aircraft crash that occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026.

    According to its final report on the incident, the aircraft crashed due to poor professional maintenance practices and engine failure.

    The report added that the engine repeatedly overheated during short flights and landings in Ho but was never attended to. Presenting the final report on Tuesday, May 26, Head of Investigation Captain Paul Fordjour, further added that, “There was destruction due to persistent communication on the cell phone”.

    Earlier, AIB had noted that the aircraft attempted an emergency landing before it later lost control and crashed.

    The authority made these revelations during a press briefing held in Accra on Friday, April 17, while it fulfilled both national law and International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements, which mandate that the Bureau update the public on the progress of an investigation if the final report is not ready within 30 days of an incident. 30 days.

    Speaking during the briefing, Captain Paul Forjoe, Investigator-in-Charge, said there was, however, no record that the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the said emergency.

    He continued that eyewitnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude over Tema and attempting to signal children in a school park to vacate the area to enable an emergency landing.

    “During a subsequent attempt at landing, the aircraft was observed in a left bank attitude shortly before it lost control and impacted the ground,” he said.

    He also noted that investigative work is under steady progress, indicating that the final report will be due on May 29.

    He added that the initial phase of the investigation had been completed. Still, they were awaiting critical inputs, including autopsy results, to determine the exact causes and contributory factors of the accident.

    On the AIB’s part, the probe is not to point fingers at anyone but to identify shortfalls and propose safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

    The Investigator-in-Charge, Captain Paul Forjoe, also indicated that a formal team comprising five investigators and three observers had been constituted, with additional support from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, which assigned two focal persons to assist.

    Also, the manufacturers of the aircraft in Italy have sent two experts, an accredited representative and an adviser to participate in the investigation.

    Captain Forjoe said the team had relied on multiple data sources, including drone footage, eyewitness accounts, CCTV recordings, air traffic control transcripts, radar data, and technical records relating to the aircraft and its crew.

    Incidents before the crash, movements of the aircraft

    According to Captain Forjoe, the microlight departed Accra at 0645 UTC and landed safely at Ho Airport at 0757 UTC. The deceased, the pilot and his younger brother refuelled the aircraft with 20 litres of RON 95 fuel for the return journey after a brief stop.

    He said a local circuit flight was conducted with a third person occupying the pilot’s seat, after which “white smoke was observed emanating from the engine as the aircraft taxied to its parking position”.

    Just about 15 minutes later, the aircraft taxied again for take-off, this time, the pilot’s brother was the one who occupied the pilot’s seat. Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested clearance to return to Ho Airport due to technical concerns.

    The aircraft later landed and the pilot detected overheating as the issue and conducted a visual inspection of the engine.

    “The pilot indicated that the coolant reservoir level was satisfactory and no further defect was identified during this inspection,” Captain Forjoe said.

    Final moments before the crash

    Approximately 30 minutes later, the aircraft took off again at 1337 UTC for Accra. Radar data later showed it flying at varying altitudes between 3,400 feet and 100 feet as it approached the capital.

    Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low over Tema and attempting to signal children playing in the Oninku School Park to vacate the area for an emergency landing.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=E__n-Va5HHs%3Frel%3D0%26modestbranding%3D1

    The aircraft subsequently crashed, triggering a post-impact fire. Emergency responders quickly contained the flames, limiting damage to parts of the school grounds and the roof of a building. However, both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

    Captain Forjoe noted that there was no record of the crew declaring an emergency or informing ATC of plans to land in Tema.

    “We continue to pray for the families of those who lost their lives that fateful day. We trust that the final report and its safety recommendations will help prevent a recurrence,” he said.

    Aircraft history and maintenance

    The aircraft, registered as 9G-ADV, was first registered in Ghana in 1996 and initially operated by the Sankofa Aeroclub at Afienya. It was later transferred to the Ghana Armed Forces in 2001 before being returned to its owner in 2022.

    Since then, it has undergone several maintenance checks and inspections approved by the GCAA. Its engine was replaced in December 2022, followed by the issuance of a Permit to Fly.

    The most recent major maintenance check was conducted on December 31, 2025, with a subsequent GCAA inspection on January 14, 2026.

    Captain Forjoe said a Flight Test Permit (ADV230) issued in January 2026 expired on January 26, while subsequent permits (ADV235 and ADV236), issued on March 9, 2026, authorised the aircraft’s relocation from Accra to Ho and expired on March 21, 2026.

    About the victims of the crash

    The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority identified the bodies of the victims of the fatal helicopter crash at Tema.

    On Monday, 16, the two individuals lost their lives in a microlight helicopter with registration number 9G-ADV, which went down in Tema Community One, in the park of a school near the TMA Daycare.

    They are Captain Frank Amoaning Donkor, 36, a flight instructor, and 25-year-old Elijah Ofori Donkor, a university graduate.

    The deceased, who are two brothers, were the sons of a popular founder of Hebron Prayer Camp, Elder Frank Kwabena Donkor.



  • Accident on Accra-Kumasi Highway kills one

    Accident on Accra-Kumasi Highway kills one

    A head-on collision on the Accra-Kumasi Highway claimed the life of an individual on Saturday, March 7. The deceased male, reportedly the owner of a Toyota Voxy, crashed into a parked MAN Diesel truck at Teacher Mantey.

    Detailing the incident on Facebook on Sunday, March 8, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) that the Toyota Voxy had badly crashed into the stationary truck prior to the arrival of the rescue team.

    Ghana has reported a surge in the number of fatalities resulting from road crashes this year.

    Weeks ago, eleven (11) persons sustained injuries following a head-on-collision at Eduadjei on the Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway. The victims, eight males and two females, are receiving medical attention at the Elmina Polyclinic.

    Per the the Central Regional Fire Service’s account, the two vehicles, an Opel Astra (WR 4860-13) traveling from Cape Coast towards Komenda collided head-on with a Nissan mini bus (CR 1414-23) heading from Takoradi to Cape Coast. Meanwhile, officials are yet to ascertain the cause of the accident.

    The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) recorded one thousand five hundred and four (1,504) deaths, compared to one thousand two hundred and thirty-seven (1,237) fatalities reported in the same period in 2024, representing a 21.58 percent increase in the first half of 2025.

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year. Per the data, a total of twelve thousand three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in these crashes.

    As a result of these incidents, eight thousand three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries. Additionally, one thousand three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country.

    According to recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes. Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes.

    To help combat the rising number of road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education.

    The NRSA has emphasized the need for stronger enforcement to curb the alarming trend. The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use to ensure safety on the roads and to address related matters.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction:

    (a) where (i) a bodily injury does not occur, or (ii) a minor bodily injury occurs to a person other than the driver, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months, or to both;

    (b) where bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person other than the driver, to a minimum fine of two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years, or to both;(c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years;

    (d) where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

    The Court may, upon conviction of a person under subsection (1), (a) order the payment of appropriate compensation to an injured person or to the estate of that person, or (b) order the withdrawal of the driver’s license for a period of not less than three years and not more than five years.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both.

    A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, that person:

    (a) causes anything to be on or over a road;(b) interferes with a motor vehicle, trailer, or cycle; or(c) interferes, directly or indirectly, with traffic equipment, where it would be obvious to a reasonable person that doing so would be dangerous.

    A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, or to both.

    Meanwhile, over one-third of emergency cases at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have been linked to road crashes, according to statistics from the facility.

    Speaking to the media, Deputy Medical Director of KATH, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, noted that road crash victims brought to the emergency unit often do not survive because their injuries are very severe.

    “A little over 30 per cent of the cases that come to this facility, this Accident and Emergency Unit, are due to accidents, and most of the accidents, a few are domestic, but the majority of them are road traffic accidents.

    “Now in Ghana, we know that our statistics, a lot of our road accidents are from errors, driver errors, pedestrian errors. And then we know that we have some percentage that is attributable to maybe things like faulty vehicles or maybe road conditions, but a lot of the accidents are preventable,” he stated.

  • Z-9 helicopter was in good condition to fly and met all safety requirements – Capt Forjoe

    Z-9 helicopter was in good condition to fly and met all safety requirements – Capt Forjoe

    The factors that led to the crash of the Z-9 helicopter at Adansi in the Ashanti Region on August 6 have been made public by the government. Addressing the media on Tuesday, November 11, a member of the investigative board, Captain Paul Forjoe, disclosed that the Z-9 helicopter met all requirements before embarking on its journey.

    “Despite all this, the aircraft was in good condition to fly and met all safety requirements. Investigation has strongly recommended for aircrafts with these additional safety enhancements to be acquired immediately for the airforce,” he added.

    The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    Ruling out potential human failures, Captain Forjoe noted that the captain of the helicopter, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, exhibited all the requisite skills to handle the aircraft. He said Peter Anala had hands-on experience dating back to 2015. According to him, Peter Anala had a green instrument rating, making him both qualified and experienced.

    “To rule out any potential human causes, we also examined the qualifications, experience, and competence of the crew. The captain has a postgraduate certificate in safety and accident investigations from Hansfield University, UK, in 2024. The captain was a qualified FAA, thus the Federal Aviation Administration Commercial and instrument-rated pilot from Crystal Academy from the USA in April 2015, 10 years ago. Within the Airforce he was recategorized in March 2025 as a Cat C pilot. That the pilot was qualified to be a Captain of the Z-9 helicopter and he had a green instrument rating.”

    Meanwhile, the report by the investigative board blamed adverse weather and limited visibility as contributory factors to the tragic incident. The board further pointed to weak operational systems within the Ghana Air Force. According to the findings, no formal weather information was available to the pilot along the route. To prevent future occurrences, the board has called for improvements in the Ghana Air Force’s systems.

    The deceased from the crash include Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    President John Mahama had earlier disclosed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    In the United States, the authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S., as well as significant incidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes. On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020.

    The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

    Months ago, former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul confirmed that all four Z-9 helicopters were due for maintenance this year.

    His comment came after former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu urged the government to immediately introduce insurance cover for all military helicopters in the aftermath of the crash that claimed eight lives, including two ministers of state, last week.

    “The military copters are not insured, but given where we are today and the fact that cities are far between, and apart from ensuring routine servicing, given the fact that they have become regular means of transport for the president, ministers, and so on, the time has come for us to consider perhaps insuring these ones that serve other purposes other than just military purposes,” he said.

    During an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr. Nitiwul said, “In fact those aircraft are due for servicing this year. But they are still allowed to fly anyway. But this year, they will take the three that are left to go and do the servicing.”

    He stressed that despite the planned maintenance, the helicopters remain operational and not obsolete.

    The former minister added that one of the aircraft developed a problem in 2019 or 2020 while en route from Boya in the North to Tamale. Military generals were onboard when it landed and sustained damage; however, all occupants survived, unlike the tragic incident of August 6.

    He further disclosed that the Z-9EH helicopters, which were originally acquired in September 2015, are stationed in Takoradi and not in Accra because they belong to Ghana Gas. According to him, Ghana Gas purchased them for pipeline surveillance — an initiative started during President Atta Mills’ administration.

    However, he said, on September 23, 2015, the Mahama government officially commissioned them for use by the Ghana Armed Forces.

    “So literally, anytime for example there is service, it is the Ghana Gas that will give the Ministry of Defence (MOD) the money to do the servicing and all the kind of things they need to do,” the minister shared.

    Ghana now has three Z-9 helicopters out of the four that were originally acquired in September 2015 as part of a strategic partnership with China. The missing one was destroyed on August 6 after a deadly crash.

  • GHS2.3m raised for helicopter crash victims’ children as of August 19

    GHS2.3m raised for helicopter crash victims’ children as of August 19

    The Support Fund established for the children of the eight individuals who lost their lives on Wednesday, August 6, following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region has accrued a total of GHS 2,315,000.00 as of Tuesday, August 19.

    The amount represents collective donations from corporate organizations and individuals. This information was disclosed by the Governmental Affairs and Coordinator of the Fund, Dr. Valerie Sawyerr.

    Persons who wish to make donations to the Fund have been urged to do so through Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited (Stanbic Heights Branch, Accra) using the following accounts: US Dollar (USD) Account – 9040013628534 and Ghana Cedi (GHS) Account – 9040013628372.

    According to the Fund Coordinator, cheques and bank drafts should be made in the name CHILDREN SUPPORT FUND 6825. She emphasized that the names of individuals who make payments into the Fund will be published weekly.

    The establishment of the Fund was officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama while speaking at the State funeral organized for the victims at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15.

    President Mahama also expressed his gratitude to Stanbic Bank Ghana for donating GHS 500,000 to the Fund, as well as to companies including Procus GH Limited, GB Foods Ghana, Sunda FM Manufacturing Ltd, Sage Distribution Ltd, Quantum Oil Terminals, Quantum LPG Logistics Ltd, Newgas Cylinder Ltd, and Quantum Terminals PLC for their generous contributions.

    In addition, the President announced the posthumous promotions of three Ghana Air Force officers who perished in the crash. Squadron Leader Peter Analaa, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo were all promoted to their next ranks as a tribute to their professionalism, sacrifice, and dedication.

    Their new ranks are Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Analaa, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Mensah Ernest Addo.

    On Friday, August 15, 2025, the government organized a State funeral to lay to rest six out of the eight victims of the Adansi helicopter crash.

    The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, however, had been laid to rest earlier, on Sunday, August 10. Janazah prayers were held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra before they were buried at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo.

    At the State burial, tributes were read by the bereaved families, who expressed the love, peace, and joy they shared while living with the deceased. President John Mahama, in his tribute, eulogized each of the victims, highlighting their contributions and outstanding qualities. “Each of these men had a story. Each had a family they cherished, a vision they pursued, and a heart that beat with love for Ghana,” the President said.

    The solemn and heartwarming ceremony brought together families, friends, and mourners, as well as representatives of international organizations from far and near. After the interfaith service at the Black Star Square, the gathering proceeded to the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region, where the burial took place. Taking turns, President Mahama, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the families of the deceased, the Ghana Armed Forces, government officials, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and other dignitaries laid wreaths in memory of the victims of the tragic incident.

    Meanwhile, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that authorities in the United States of America have expressed readiness to assist the government of Ghana in investigating the Z9 Air Force helicopter crash of August 6, which claimed eight lives, including Ministers of State.

    Speaking to the media on August 14, the Foreign Minister noted that the request was made following an order by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. “I can confirm to you that on the instruction of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, we have formally requested the Americans to come in and assist. We all know that they have considerable expertise when it comes to these matters, and so the indication we have received from the Americans is that they are very much willing to assist.”

    The Minister further stated, “We are expecting the arrival of American experts soon to help us with the investigations.”

    Emphasizing the need for independent expertise, Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that this was necessary to “ensure that the outcome of the investigations will be acceptable to all, so that there will also be confidence in the process.” He added, “It is important that this process is done in a very thorough manner, in a manner that will be at par with best practice, the international gold standard. That is what President Mahama wants us to achieve. So I can assure you that our note has long been issued.”

    President John Mahama had earlier revealed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    The Ghana Armed Forces has already begun investigations into the crash, Deputy Minister for Defence Brogya Genfi disclosed on August 13. However, Minister Ablakwa did not specify the exact U.S. institution that had been contacted for assistance.

    In the United States, the main authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S. and significant events in other modes of transportation—railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future. To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes.

    On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020. The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

    According to the AIB, Article 26 of the Chicago Convention requires every state in which an aviation accident occurs to investigate the event. Furthermore, ICAO Annex 13 stipulates that such investigations must be conducted professionally, independently, and without bias.

    The investigatory body, therefore, must not only have a legal mandate but also be well-structured, adequately resourced, and autonomous in its operations and findings. In 2019, when ICAO conducted a Validation Mission to assess Ghana’s level of Effective Implementation (EI) of its SARPs, Ghana obtained an impressive EI score of 89.89 percent.

  • South Korea: Deadly plane crash at Muan Airport claims 179 lives

    South Korea: Deadly plane crash at Muan Airport claims 179 lives

    A devastating tragedy has unfolded as at least 179 people lost their lives when a passenger aircraft skidded off the runway and crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea, marking one of the country’s most catastrophic aviation accidents.

    The incident occurred at 9:03 AM local time (00:03 GMT) on Sunday, when the Jeju Air flight, which was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members from Bangkok, Thailand, was approaching Muan International Airport, situated approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) southwest of Seoul.

    The National Fire Agency confirmed the heartbreaking toll of 179 fatalities, including 85 women, 84 men, and 10 individuals whose gender could not immediately be ascertained. Only two survivors, both crew members, were rescued from the wreckage. The fire that engulfed the plane has since been brought under control.

    Initial investigations point to a bird strike as the likely cause of the crash, leading to a malfunction in the aircraft’s landing gear as it was preparing to land at the airport.

    Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, reporting from Seoul, stated that this incident is now being recognized as the deadliest air disaster in South Korea’s history.

  • Road crash deaths in Accra decreased by 14% in 2023 –

    Road crash deaths in Accra decreased by 14% in 2023 –

    In 2023, road crash fatalities in Accra saw a 14% decrease, marking the third consecutive year of reductions, according to the 2023 Accra Road Safety Report.

    The report, released on November 18, 2024, during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, was prepared by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) with support from Vital Strategies.

    It revealed that road traffic deaths dropped from 102 in 2022 to 88 in 2023, with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists making up 82% of those fatalities.

    The report further noted that men accounted for 85% of the deaths and 69% of serious injuries. High-risk crash locations included the Opeibea Intersection on Liberation Road, Avenor Junction on J.A. Kufuor Avenue, and North Dzorwulu Intersection along the George Walker Bush Highway.

    Accra’s Mayor, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey, speaking on her behalf, praised the collective efforts to improve road safety.

    While she welcomed the reduction in fatalities, she stressed the importance of ongoing actions to safeguard vulnerable road users.

  • Vigil for 2 minors who died in East Legon accident to be held today

    Vigil for 2 minors who died in East Legon accident to be held today

    A candlelight vigil to honor Maame Dwomoh Boateng and Justine Agbenu, two young women who tragically lost their lives in the East Legon accident on October 12, 2024, will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

    Scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM, the “All White Candlelight Vigil” invites loved ones and community members to gather at the accident site to pay their respects.

    The fatal car crash occurred when Elrod Salifu Amoako, the son of Bishop Salifu Amoako, collided his Jaguar 4×4 with the Acura carrying the two women.

    The incident, which has ignited national outrage, raises important questions about reckless driving and road safety.

    On the evening of the accident, Elrod reportedly lost control of his vehicle, resulting in the devastating crash that claimed the lives of Maame Dwomoh Boateng and Justine Agbenu. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene, ending two promising futures.

    Promotional material for the vigil, shared widely on social media, features the names and images of the two women, encouraging attendees to come together in their memory.

    The all-white dress code for the event symbolizes peace and represents a celebration of the victims’ lives, even in the face of such tragedy.

    In the aftermath of the accident, many Ghanaians have expressed their grief and frustration online, demanding justice for Maame Dwomoh Boateng and Justine Agbenu. Elrod Salifu Amoako is currently under investigation, and friends, family, and the community continue to share messages of love and support for the victims’ families.

  • A/R: Motorbike collision burns 2 at Kwaagyekrom

    A/R: Motorbike collision burns 2 at Kwaagyekrom

    A tragic head-on collision between two motorbikes on Tuesday, July 2, resulted in two fatalities, leaving the local community of Kwaagyekrom in the Offinso South Municipality of the Ashanti Region in shock.

    Witnesses reported that the impact of the collision caused one of the motorbikes to catch fire, leading to one of the victims being burned beyond recognition.

    The other victim succumbed to his injuries shortly after the incident.

    Alhassan Hamidu, the Assembly Member for the area, told Accra-based Asaase Radio that another victim is in critical condition, with doctors urgently working to save his life.

    “They [the deceased] belong to one family; an uncle and a nephew. One of them had parked on the shoulders of the road making a phone call when the other who was on top speed developed a fault but suddenly crashed into the stationary bike and the impact sparked fire burning one of them beyond recognition.”

    “The other one who sustained severe injuries, however, died while receiving treatment at the St Patrick’s hospital.”

    “Currently, one has been discharged, but another is in critical condition. For now, the police have directed that we convey the motorbike from the scene while the investigation continues,” he said.

    The deceased have been identified as Abudu Seidu, 45, and Aminu Sulemana, 19. They have since been buried according to Islamic traditions.