Authorities in the Ashanti Region are appealing to residents who may have collected items from the site of Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash to return them immediately.
The Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ARCC) has confirmed that intelligence reports indicate some individuals who were among the first at the scene of the crash on August 6, 2025, picked up parts of the helicopter and personal belongings scattered across the area.
In a press statement released today, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, issued a stern but urgent call for the return of all items, “no matter how small, such as metals, screws, drives or boards.”
To encourage the voluntary return of these items, the ARCC is offering a cash reward for anyone who complies. This amnesty and reward offer is valid until the close of the day on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Individuals can hand over the retrieved items to the Unit Committee, their local Assembly Member, Municipal or District Chief Executives, or any member of the investigation team at the crash site.
The statement also carries a strong warning: “Any person found in possession of such items beyond the above date would be deemed a criminal and will face the full rigours of the law.”
The ARCC emphasised that the retrieval of all parts and belongings is crucial for the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash.
The public has been notified to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure a thorough and complete inquiry.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that forensic reports on all eight victims of the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District have been received.
Speaking at the burial of two victims — Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator — President Mahama disclosed that DNA tests had been conducted in South Africa due to the charred condition of the bodies.
“That process was concluded yesterday [August 9]. We received the forensic results for our brothers [Murtala and Alhaji Muniru], and that is why we have come to bury them ahead.
“The forensic reports for the others have also arrived, and in consultation with their families, we will decide on funeral arrangements. On August 15, 2025, we will hold a state funeral for all of them,” Mahama said.
