It has emerged that the black box of the Z-9 Ghana Air Force helicopter, which crashed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, killing the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and seven others, has been retrieved.
This was confirmed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, a day after the tragic incident.
In a post on Facebook, he wrote, “Black box has been found,” a development that has been met with both relief and anxiety.
The black box, which comprises the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), will play a crucial role in determining the cause of the accident.
In every aviation accident, the black box is considered the most critical piece of equipment, as it provides investigators with vital clues about what transpired in the final moments before the crash.
It is regarded as the most valuable tool in air crash investigations due to its role in collecting data that can improve aviation safety protocols and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah was among the victims of the Z-9 helicopter crash, which involved a Ghana Armed Forces aircraft.
The crash also claimed the life of the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Other victims include the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna; former Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Samuel Sarpong; and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.
Members of the helicopter’s crew who perished are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The helicopter crashed on August 6, 2025, while en route to Obuasi to participate in a government mission related to illegal mining (galamsey) as part of ongoing national efforts to curb the menace.
