Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has confirmed the recovery of the black box from the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter that crashed on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District. The tragic accident claimed the lives of eight individuals, including top government and military officials.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, August 7, Dr. Amoakohene revealed that a joint investigative team successfully located the black box at the crash site—a critical development in uncovering the cause of the fatal incident.
The recovery team, made up of Ghana Air Force officers and other military personnel, was guided through the densely forested area by local residents and the Assembly Member for the community.
The crash is being described as one of Ghana’s most devastating air tragedies in recent years. Among the deceased were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and three Air Force crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Preliminary information suggests the helicopter was en route to Obuasi when it lost radar contact, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.
The black box—containing flight data and cockpit recordings—is expected to provide vital insights to investigators seeking to understand what led to the crash.
Meanwhile, samples of the victims’ remains have been sent to South Africa for DNA testing to assist with formal identification.
