Tolon MP Demands Transparency as Government Delays Report on Fatal Helicopter Crash

Member of Parliament for Tolon and First Deputy Minority Whip, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu, has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to release the official investigative report on the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash that killed eight senior government officials and security officers.

In a letter dated October 27, 2025, the MP invoked the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989) and Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantee citizens access to information in the public interest. He argued that the government’s continued silence on the matter undermines public confidence and accountability.

“The public deserves to know what led to the tragic loss of such prominent figures and dedicated public servants,” Alhaji Iddrisu wrote. “I am respectfully requesting a copy of the investigative report, or at least an update, in line with constitutional guarantees.”

The August 6, 2025, crash remains one of Ghana’s deadliest air tragedies in recent history. The military aircraft, reportedly en route from Wa to Accra, went down in the Savannah Region, killing all eight people onboard.

Among the victims were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong. The others were Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

The accident plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from both sides of Parliament, the Ghana Armed Forces, and civil society organisations. President Mahama had at the time pledged a “swift and transparent inquiry” to uncover the cause of the crash.

On August 25, 2025, the government announced the establishment of a committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, assuring Ghanaians that the findings would be published within 30 days.

However, more than two months later, no official report or update has been made public — a delay that has sparked concern among the families of victims, aviation experts, and opposition legislators.

According to Alhaji Iddrisu, such delays risk fueling speculation and eroding public trust in state institutions.

“Transparency during times of national tragedy is not only a constitutional duty but a moral obligation. If the final report is not yet ready, an interim one should be released,” he urged in his statement.

He further noted that sharing findings promptly could help prevent future aviation disasters by addressing safety gaps.

The Tolon MP’s intervention has reignited debate about the enforcement of Ghana’s Right to Information Act, which was enacted in 2019 after nearly two decades of advocacy. While the law aims to promote openness in governance, its implementation has faced challenges, including bureaucratic bottlenecks and delays in response to public requests.

Legal experts note that Section 18 of Act 989 empowers citizens to access official information that serves the public interest, particularly in cases involving loss of life or public safety.

Dr. Kojo Asante, a governance analyst with the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has previously emphasized that “timely disclosure of investigative findings builds trust between the state and citizens, especially when accountability is at stake.”

The helicopter crash investigation, therefore, presents a test case for how effectively the government upholds transparency and the rule of law.

Ghanaians have taken to social media to demand answers, using hashtags such as #HelicopterCrashReportNow and #JusticeForTheFallenEight to call for action. Civil society groups have also urged the Presidency to demonstrate leadership by publishing the report.

In similar past incidents — including the 2012 Achimota Melcom building collapse and the 2015 June 3 flood and fire disaster — official reports were delayed for months, raising concerns about accountability and lessons learned from such national tragedies.

If released, the helicopter crash report could shed light on whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or human error played a role in the accident. Aviation experts say Ghana’s military air safety protocols have generally improved in recent years, but comprehensive post-incident reviews remain essential to maintaining that progress.

The MP’s demand for disclosure is significant not just for transparency, but for national security oversight, public accountability, and aviation safety reform. Ghana’s ability to openly address such incidents will influence how citizens view the credibility of future government inquiries.

According to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Ghana ranked 70th out of 180 countries, reflecting ongoing challenges with openness and public sector accountability. Ensuring the public has access to information about major national events could help strengthen democratic governance.

As pressure mounts, it remains unclear whether the Presidency will release the report or an interim update. The Office of the President and the Ministry of Defence have yet to comment publicly on Alhaji Iddrisu’s letter.

For now, families of the victims and the wider public await closure — and assurance that the tragedy will lead to tangible improvements in aviation safety and government transparency.

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