In the wake of the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight officials, the President and CEO of the Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies (ISDES) has issued a call for a reevaluation of Ghana's disaster management and emergency response strategies.

The August 6 accident claimed the lives of the following officials:

• Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
• Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
• Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate
• Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, a military officer
• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, a military officer
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, a military officer

Commenting on the development and general concerns about the rising trends of disasters in the transport sector, Dr Norman told MyJoyOnline that the recent crash "is a horrific reminder of the catastrophic failures we face across various transportation sectors—road, rail, and air."

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Expressing deep sorrow over the recent tragedy, he added, “It’s an unfortunate national incident that no one can deny has occurred. We must reflect on it, acknowledge the pain, and strive to ensure it never happens again.”

The ISDES leader emphasised that while sorrow lingers over such losses, the nation must not allow these incidents to fade into memory without implementing real change.

He pointed out the alarming tendency to repeat past mistakes, citing a history of catastrophic fires in markets and severe flooding events where little has been done to prevent future occurrences.

“We often leave our safety and preparedness to fate, rather than taking action ourselves. God has given us the wisdom to prepare for emergencies, and it’s high time we put that wisdom into practice,” he urged.

The CEO criticised the current state of Ghana’s emergency services, claiming they are woefully unprepared for traumatic events.

“Hospitals, security forces, and emergency services lack the necessary readiness. We say we're prepared, but that's just a hollow statement,” he lamented.

Highlighting the need for a paradigm shift, he called for the appointment of individuals with the right skills and experience in key emergency management positions.

“We can’t keep choosing leaders based on political affiliations. We need people who truly understand the intricacies of disaster management,” he stressed.

Another point of concern raised by the CEO includes the lack of training for emergency officers in every institution.'

“Every organisation must have someone trained in emergency response. Without this, we are setting ourselves up for failure,” he cautioned.

He underscored the importance of learning from international best practices, citing examples like the Boston Marathon bombing, which showcased effective emergency response training that saved many lives.

“In Ghana, we would have seen chaos rather than coordination,” he remarked, urging practical steps to enhance preparedness.

Additionally, he expressed frustration over the lack of interest in disaster management education, noting that many students opt for more popular degrees instead of critical skills in emergency preparedness. “We need to cultivate a sense of responsibility and urgency among our youth to prepare them for the realities we face,” he stated.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the call for urgent reforms and a comprehensive approach to disaster management has never been more critical.

“We must turn our grief into action, ensuring that such a tragic event is not just a footnote in history but a catalyst for meaningful change,” he concluded.