Helicopter Crash: Farmers Frustrated as Forest Investigations Block Access to Farms

Impact on Local Farmers Due to Crash Investigation

Residents in the Adansi Akrofuom area are facing severe challenges as investigations into a recent helicopter crash have restricted their access to farmlands. This has led to a growing concern among local farmers who are now struggling to feed themselves and their families.

Joy News reported that several farmlands have been cordoned off, making it impossible for farmers to tend to their crops or harvest their produce. One resident shared their plight, stating, "Now we buy food from the street shops. Rice, gari, among others, are what we buy. If they allow us into the farms, we will be able to harvest our foodstuff." This situation highlights the immediate impact of the ongoing investigation on the daily lives of the community.

Government Response and Call for Cooperation

Joseph Azumah, the Member of Parliament for Akrofrom, has urged residents to cooperate with the ongoing investigations. His call for cooperation comes amid growing concerns about the disruption caused by the crash site's closure.

On August 7, President John Mahama announced that the Ghana Armed Forces had launched an official probe into the crash that resulted in the deaths of two ministers and six others. He also mentioned the establishment of an Investigative Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the incident. This move underscores the government's commitment to uncovering the truth behind the tragic event.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Crash

Eyewitnesses at the crash site provided critical information about the incident. One eyewitness claimed that the helicopter lost its balance after hitting a tree and a mountain before crashing into the thick forest in Adansi Akrofum. Another witness told the BBC that the helicopter was flying at an "unusually low altitude" and that the weather conditions were poor. They described hearing the sound of the helicopter passing by, followed by a loud bang.

Tragic Loss of Lives

The crash resulted in the loss of several prominent individuals. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among those killed. The Z-9 helicopter they were traveling in crashed into dense forest as it was en route from the capital, Accra, to the town of Obuasi for a state event.

In addition to the ministers, four other civilians perished in the crash. They included Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong, and former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East Samuel Aboagye. Among the military personnel who died were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Recovery and Identification Process

The bodies of the deceased were retrieved and flown to Accra late on August 6. Samples of the remains have been sent to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification. This process is essential to provide closure to the families of the victims and to ensure accurate reporting of the incident.

Replacements for Fallen Ministers

In the wake of the tragedy, President Mahama appointed Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to serve as acting Defence Minister, while Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah will oversee the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio temporarily. The presidency stated that the respective Finance and Lands and Natural Resources Ministers have been asked to take on these additional duties, with no timeline given for the filling of the two posts.

This decision reflects the government's efforts to maintain stability and continuity in the face of such a devastating loss. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the affected communities and ensuring justice for those who lost their lives.