The Ministry of Defence has announced that the official board of inquiry into the recent Z-9 military helicopter crash has formally begun its work. This was contained in a press release dated Monday, August 25, 2025.
According to the Ministry, the Investigation Board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator and comprises senior officials from the Ghana Air Force as well as technical experts from the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
In a significant development, the United States of America is also lending technical support to the process. Visiting investigators from the U.S. Air Force are collaborating with the Ghanaian team to provide expert advice and assistance. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the investigative process and ensure adherence to international aviation safety standards.
The Ministry further disclosed that a preliminary investigation team was constituted on the day of the incident, August 6, 2025, to gather initial evidence and secure the crash site. That team is scheduled to present its findings to the main Investigation Board on, August 25, 2025.
The board has been mandated to complete its full investigation within 30 days. Its work will cover the cause of the crash, safety lapses (if any), and recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
The Z-9 helicopter, a Chinese-built aircraft widely used for military and transport purposes, has been a critical asset to the Ghana Armed Forces. The crash has therefore raised widespread concerns over aviation safety, military preparedness, and the maintenance culture of the country’s air assets.
The Defence Ministry assured the public that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, urging Ghanaians to remain calm while the experts complete their work.
