The Ministry of Defence has announced that the investigation board tasked with probing the August 6 Z-9 helicopter crash has officially begun its work.

The board, established to determine the cause of the incident that claimed the lives of two Ministers of State, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and four other government functionaries, is expected to submit its final report within 30 days.

The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, Abdul-Osman Razak, and includes members from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The United States is also assisting the investigation, with visiting investigators from the U.S. Air Force providing advice and support.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the board has the authority to invite other relevant local and international experts and institutions to assist with the investigation as needed.

A preliminary investigation team was formed on the day of the crash to collect all available evidence to support the board’s work.

This team is scheduled to submit its report to the board today, providing crucial initial findings for the formal investigation.

The Ministry of Defence, in its statement signed by the Ag. Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, assured the public that the investigation is being conducted thoroughly and with the necessary expertise to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the fatal crash.

The helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday August 6, 2025, while officials were en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).

The incident claimed the lives of several high-ranking officials, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Dr Samuel Sarpong, and National Vice Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.

Three crew members also perished: Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah.