Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has called for restraint in the ongoing public debate over the Ghana Police Service’s helicopters, following concerns raised after last Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash.

Mr Terlabi said it was premature to draw conclusions or politicise the matter while the nation mourns the loss of eight lives, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, the Lower Manya Krobo MP acknowledged that the state of the police helicopters had not been brought to his attention.

“It hasn’t come to my attention, but I will plead with Ghanaians, including my party members, that whether an old helicopter was bought or not, considering the tragedy we are mourning, our commentaries should be measured,” he said.

He cautioned that speculative remarks could “impugn the integrity of the leaders who were onboard the helicopter that crashed” and stressed the need to await the outcome of investigations before passing judgment.

Mr Terlabi explained that the choice of such aircraft is usually based on recommendations from the Police Service or the Ghana Armed Forces.

His appeal follows comments by Ernest Henry Norgbey, a member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, who described the three police helicopters procured by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration as “flying coffins” and unfit for use.

The Ashaiman MP alleged the aircraft were manufactured in 1976 and have remained grounded since delivery, although they were displayed during the 2023 Independence Day celebration.

Mr Norgbey’s claims have intensified public concern over why the helicopters were not deployed for search and rescue operations after the crash.

However, Mr Terlabi maintained that the focus for now should be on mourning the victims and supporting investigations, rather than inflaming political tensions.