Accra: The 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 Minister, has confirmed. The Minister, speaking after signing the book of condolence opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ablakwa stated, "The Americans have considerable expertise in these matters, and the indication we have received is that they are very much willing to assist." He emphasized the importance of involving independent experts to ensure that the investigation's outcome would be acceptable to all and inspire confidence in the process, asserting that there was nothing to hide.
The decision aligns with the President's commitment to conducting a thorough investigation consistent with global best practices. The Foreign Minister confirmed that a formal note had already been issued to the U.S. government, and a response confirming their readiness to assist had been received. The arrival of the U.S. technical team is expected soon.
The crash, involving a Chinese-made Z-9 helicopter, has generated public interest and questions regarding the incident's cause. Mr. Ablakwa, a member of the Armed Forces Council and the National Security Council, disclosed that the Chinese manufacturers had been contacted, adhering to protocols requiring the black box to be sent to its manufacturer for analysis.
He 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." The President's approach aims to ensure full public confidence in the investigation and reinforce Ghana's commitment to transparency.
The Minister assured that the investigative process would be open to public updates at every stage, subject to national security considerations. He stressed the importance of keeping the Ghanaian public informed from the arrival of the experts to the conclusion of the investigations, upholding the ideals of good governance and accountability.
Mr. Ablakwa acknowledged concerns expressed by civil society organizations and analysts over the lack of updates, clarifying that the investigative process had not yet begun pending the U.S. experts' arrival. He assured that once the team was on the ground, the process would advance without delay.
Describing the helicopter crash as an unprecedented tragedy in Ghana's history, the Minister emphasized the need for an investigation that withstands both domestic and international scrutiny. He underscored that the probe was not just about identifying technical faults but also about preserving public trust in state institutions and honoring the memory of those who died in service.
The Minister reiterated President Mahama's commitment to "utmost transparency" in handling the matter and noted the President's personal investment in ensuring the probe's independence and credibility. This stance has been acknowledged and welcomed by Ghana's international partners.
In addition to investigative measures, Mr. Ablakwa mentioned the tragedy had strengthened the government's resolve to tackle illegal mining, identifying it as a broader existential threat. The President intends to launch an aggressive campaign to combat the menace that endangers lives, damages the environment, and pollutes water bodies.
Expressing gratitude to the United States for their support during "a very tragic and devastating period," Mr. Ablakwa noted that the assistance demonstrated the depth of the longstanding partnership between the two countries. He stated, "This is a difficult moment for our nation, but it is also a moment that has revealed the friends who stand with us. 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."
