By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, Aug. 14, GNA – Government has formally requested technical assistance from the United States to support a transparent and credible investigation into the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of senior public officers, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, has confirmed.
The Minister, speaking after signing the book of condolence in Accra on Thursday, said President John Dramani Mahama had instructed that independent experts be engaged to ensure that the probe met the highest international standards and left no room for doubt.
“The Americans have considerable expertise in these matters, and the indication we have received is that they are very much willing to assist,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
He said, “We think it is important to bring in independent experts so that the outcome of the investigations will be acceptable to all and there will be confidence in the process. Nobody has anything to hide.”
Mr Ablakwa said the decision was part of the President’s insistence that the process should be thorough and conducted in a manner consistent with global best practice.
According to the Minister, a formal note had already been issued to the United States government, and a response confirming their readiness to help had been received.
The arrival of the U.S. technical team is expected soon, he confirmed.
The crash, which involved a Chinese-made Z-9 helicopter, has sparked public interest and questions about the cause of the incident.
Mr. Ablakwa, who is also a member of the Armed Forces Council and the National Security Council, disclosed that the Chinese manufacturers had been contacted in line with existing protocols that require a helicopter’s black box to be made available to its manufacturer for analysis.
“Indeed, the briefing we have received from the Chief of Defence Staff is that there is a standing protocol in such matters, and the manufacturers are standing by,” he said.
The Minister further stated, “However, in the President’s wisdom, nothing should proceed without independent experts being involved. This way, we can avoid any suspicions of conflict of interest or perceptions of a cover-up.”
He said the President’s approach was aimed at ensuring full public confidence in the investigation and reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to transparency.
The Minister added that the investigative process would be open to public updates at every stage once it commenced, subject to national security considerations.
“I can give the fullest assurance that there will be no attempt to conceal anything,” he said, and that, “The Ghanaian people will be kept in the loop from the time the experts arrive to the conclusion of the investigations. It is important that the ideals of our fallen heroes, who always stood for good governance and accountability, are upheld even in their absence.”
Mr. Ablakwa noted that civil society organisations and analysts who had expressed concern over the lack of updates should understand that the investigative process had not yet begun because the arrival of the U.S. experts was pending.
He said that once the team was on the ground, the process would move forward without delay.
The Minister described the helicopter crash as an unprecedented tragedy in Ghana’s history, stressing the importance of conducting an investigation whose credibility could withstand both domestic and international scrutiny.
He underscored that this was not merely an exercise in finding technical faults, but also about preserving public trust in state institutions and honouring the memory of those who died in the line of duty.
“These were not just colleagues; they were the finest public servants, professionals with deep patriotism and dedication,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa added, “The least we can do is ensure their sacrifice is not in vain by finding the truth and learning the lessons that will prevent such tragedies in the future.”
He reiterated that President Mahama had made it clear to Cabinet earlier in the day that there would be “utmost transparency” in the handling of the matter.
He said the President was personally invested in ensuring the probe’s independence and credibility, noting that this stance had already been acknowledged and welcomed by Ghana’s international partners.
In addition to the investigative measures, the Minister said the tragedy had strengthened the government’s resolve to tackle illegal mining, which he identified as a broader existential threat to the nation.
He said the President intended to launch a “relentless and ruthless campaign” against the menace, which continues to endanger lives, damage the environment, and pollute water bodies.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed gratitude to the United States for agreeing to support Ghana at what he called “a very tragic and devastating period,” adding that the assistance demonstrated the depth of the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
“This is a difficult moment for our nation, but it is also a moment that has revealed the friends who stand with us,” he said, and that, “We are grateful for the readiness of the U.S. to deploy their expertise to help us seek closure and ensure justice for the fallen.”
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie