The government has officially invited U.S. forensic experts to assist in the ongoing investigation into the August 6 military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two cabinet ministers.

The move is a response to a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, who has vowed to leave no stone unturned to determine the exact cause of the tragic incident.

The crash sent shockwaves across the nation, given the high-profile nature of the victims.

The Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter was on a mission to launch a community mining scheme aimed at combating illegal mining, locally known as 'galamsey'.

The incident not only resulted in the loss of prominent figures but also threatened to derail a key government initiative.

Speaking to the press after signing a book of condolences, Foreign Affairs Minister and member of the Armed Forces Council, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the invitation to the American experts.

Ablakwa revealed that a mini-cabinet meeting was held earlier in the day (August 14) to address the tragedy.

"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 MP for North Tongu disclosed in an interview with JoyNews' Blessed Sogah.

He emphasised the need for an independent probe despite the option for the Chinese manufacturers of the helicopter to decode the black box of the aircraft and present a report.

"We think that it is important to bring in independent experts to ensure that the outcome of the investigations will be acceptable to all, so that there will also be confidence in the process.

"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. The Americans have responded, and we are expecting the arrival of American experts soon to help us with the investigations," he added.

During the meeting, President Mahama and his appointees also resolved to honour the victims by finishing their mission.

This commitment signals that the government will not be deterred by the tragic setback.

The fight against galamsey has been a central pillar of the current administration, with the late ministers, Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, at the forefront of the campaign.

The decision to bring in foreign expertise reflects the gravity of the incident and the government’s determination to prevent future tragedies.