Captain Michael Yao Foli, a respected aviation analyst, has underscored the need for an independent investigation into the recent military helicopter crash at Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region.

His comments follow the launch of investigations into the tragic incident that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including high-ranking government officials and security personnel.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, August 7, Captain Foli said: “Essentially, this is normal aviation practice. There is an independent investigative board that investigates aircraft accidents.”

He clarified that the investigative team deployed to the crash site should ideally be the Independent Accident Investigation Board (IAIB) or a similarly autonomous body, not a committee appointed by the military or the presidency.

“If it is this independent accident investigation board, then it satisfies ICAO regulations,” he noted, referencing the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which sets global standards for aviation safety.

Captain Foli further explained that while the military may conduct internal reviews, the official and authoritative investigation must come from an independent body to ensure credibility and transparency.

“They are an independent body; they are the ones who should conduct the investigations, and their findings are authoritative,” he concluded.

Victims of the Crash

The following individuals lost their lives in the tragic incident:

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment

Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Mr Samuel Aboagye, Former Parliamentary Candidate

Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala

Flying Officer Twum Ampadu

Sergeant Ernest Addo