The Minority in Parliament has called for full transparency regarding the findings of the August 6 military helicopter crash investigation, urging the government to make the entire report public.
In a statement signed by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, the caucus stressed the need for accountability in handling the matter, insisting that only full disclosure can assure Ghanaians of transparency and integrity in the process.
“The Minority Caucus expects, in the spirit of transparency and full disclosure, to receive the whole report to offer our objective and comprehensive view on the findings,” the statement read.
The caucus clarified that its request was not aimed at assigning blame but to support the implementation of corrective actions recommended in the report. “This is not with the intent to point accusing fingers but with the poise to state our principled position and constructively support the implementation of necessary measures in the best interest of our dear nation,” it noted.
The statement emphasized that the Minority’s interest was not political, but national. “We, the Minority Caucus, would like to take the moral high ground and refrain from politicising such a sensitive Defence and Security matter of public interest,” it stated.
However, the group urged the government to take a firm stance on the report and publicly outline its plans for implementing the findings. “We demand that the government boldly state their position and plans relative to the Helicopter Crash Investigation Report and ultimately lead the charge towards full implementation,” it urged.
The Minority also used the opportunity to caution against the politicisation of military operations, referencing previous controversies surrounding presidential and military aircraft. “Events of August 6th Disaster, on hindsight, should remind every politician who disingenuously politicised military aircraft and presidential travel platforms in the past, that the Ghana Armed Forces and the safety of our people ought to be prioritised over parochial partisan politics,” it declared.
The caucus reaffirmed its earlier commitment to avoid politicising the tragic event, while calling for the swift and transparent enforcement of the committee’s recommendations. “We reiterate our commitment to pursue the implementation of the report in the best interest of the people of Ghana,” it added.
The statement concluded by extending heartfelt sympathies to the families of the fallen officers. “Once again, the Minority Caucus extends our assurances and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families of the August 6 departed heroes.”
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