Eyewitnesses describe terrifying moment as aircraft bursts into flames mid-morning
By Alex Ababio
A Ghana Air Force helicopter carrying eight people—including senior government officials—has reportedly crashed near Adansi Sikaman in the Adansi North District of the Ashanti Region. All those on board are feared dead.
The incident, which occurred late morning, involved a Z-9 military helicopter en route to Obuasi for a high-level government assignment. Eyewitnesses say the aircraft fell rapidly from the sky before crashing and catching fire.
“We saw it flying low and wobbling,” recounted Kojo Mensah, a farmer who witnessed the crash. “Then it just dropped and exploded. The fire was intense. We couldn’t do anything to help.”
Another resident, Akua Serwaa, added, “The smoke was thick and black. Everyone started shouting and running toward the scene, but we had to keep our distance because the flames were too strong.”
The explosion sent massive plumes of smoke into the sky, drawing scores of frightened villagers to the crash site. Emergency teams, including military and fire service personnel, quickly arrived and have cordoned off the area to begin search, rescue, and recovery efforts.
In a statement issued later in the afternoon, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the crash. The aircraft, which departed from Accra at 0912 hours, reportedly lost radar contact shortly after takeoff.
The release, signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the GAF, stated that “three crew members and five passengers were on board at the time of the incident.” The identities of the individuals have not yet been disclosed.
Efforts to recover bodies and secure the crash site are ongoing. Military officials have asked the public to stay away from the area to allow for uninterrupted operations.
“We are doing everything possible to retrieve remains and investigate the cause of the crash,” a military officer told reporters.
Further updates are expected from the Ghana Armed Forces as investigations continue and more information becomes available.