The revelations emerging from the investigation into the August 6 helicopter crash indicate that all protocols and procedures were duly followed in accordance with international aviation standards. The investigation satisfied all standard requirements, and it is expected that both the government and the Ghana Air Force will implement the committee’s recommendations to prevent future air accidents.
Fraud Prevention and Security Consultant, Richard Kumadoe, made this remark on Adekyee Mu Nsem, the morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. According to him, although weather conditions were not favorable for the flight in question, the investigation met all necessary protocols regarding the accident.
The committee’s report, presented by Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe on Tuesday, November 11, found that the Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter crashed after encountering a severe downdraft, which caused a sudden loss of altitude and lift while flying over high terrain.
The aircraft, which was on an anti-illegal mining operation from Accra to Obuasi, went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. All eight people on board — including senior government officials and military officers — tragically lost their lives in the crash.
“I think they’ve done a comprehensive job,” Kumadoe said. “At the time of the accident, I kept saying we should find out what caused the aircraft to lose altitude. Fortunately, the airplane has been exonerated, the pilot has been exonerated, and the third factor — the weather — is something nobody can control.”
He emphasized that the crash was an unavoidable, weather-related incident rather than a result of pilot error or equipment failure. “It is not the fault of the pilot or the aircraft,” he added.
In another development, Kumadoe cautioned the public against attacking state officials or taskforce members on national assignments, warning that such behavior invites serious consequences.
He described the recent attack on NAIMOS personnel as “very unfortunate and uncalled for,” adding that moving forward, taskforce members from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) are prepared to respond decisively to any aggression.
He also warned that the spread of misinformation and disinformation about NAIMOS operations is putting taskforce officers at risk of attacks from illegal miners.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have launched simultaneous joint operations across the Ashanti, Volta, and Ahafo Regions, targeting individuals suspected of involvement in recent assaults on NAIMOS members and other state officials.
The dawn operations, which began on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, are taking place at Dadwene and Anwona in the Ashanti Region; Ehi in the Volta Region; and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso, and Marhani in the Ahafo Region.
According to a joint statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director-General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, the operation is “targeted and intelligence-led,” aimed at apprehending those connected to the recent violent attacks on NAIMOS officials, police officers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff, and journalists.
The security agencies warned that any individual or group that attempts to obstruct their work in ongoing anti-galamsey operations or any other lawful duty will “face the full force of the law.”
“The Armed Forces and the Police Service wish to assure the general public that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and security of law-abiding citizens in these communities,” the statement concluded, urging residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.