Dr Thomas Ojo, Associate Professor of Transport Planning at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has called on the government to invest more in aviation safety and infrastructure after the findings of the official investigation into the August helicopter crash were released.
The crash, which killed Ghana’s Ministers of Defence and Environment, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with six other people, occurred when a Z-9 military helicopter lost altitude and lift while flying from Accra to Obuasi. The aircraft plummeted into a dense forest, and there were no survivors.
Speaking on the AM Show, Dr Ojo said Ghana’s aviation infrastructure and safety measures remain inadequate, particularly outside the capital.
“This is the time for the government to invest in the aviation industry — procure better helicopters and better aircraft,” he said. “If this helicopter had certain avionics safety equipment and proper navigation systems, we might have avoided this tragic occurrence.”
The investigation report found that poor weather conditions, specifically a downdraft, caused the helicopter to lose lift. While the aircraft was deemed airworthy, the committee recommended modernising the Ghana Air Force fleet, noting that it currently lacks advanced safety and navigational systems.
Dr Ojo highlighted that aviation investments in Ghana are heavily focused on Accra, especially at Kotoka International Airport, while regional airports and helipads remain under-resourced.
“Most of the investments being made are centred in Accra,” he explained.
“Similar investments should be made across all airports in Ghana. We can also think of improving infrastructure at regional helipads to enhance navigation and safety.”
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