Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson, publicly called for an investigation into the August 6, 2025, Obuasi helicopter crash that killed eight prominent passengers—including Ghana’s Minister of Defence and Minister of Environment—suggesting in a now-deleted post that the military is “partisan” and that foul play might be involved.
Key points:
Eight fatalities: The crash killed Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and other senior officials and Air Force crew.
The helicopter crashed en route to an anti-galamsey event in the Ashanti region, with all victims burnt beyond recognition by a post-crash fire; President Mahama declared a national tragedy and ordered flags at half-mast.
Benson, who worked closely with some victims and is a senior official in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accused the Ghana Armed Forces of partisanship and urged the preservation of the crash site for potential forensic investigation—a statement that generated mixed public reactions.
Government and security agencies, including the Ghana National Fire Service, are conducting a formal investigation; the flight data recorder (“black box”) was recovered, and forensic procedures, including DNA analysis, are underway to confirm victims’ identities.
The cause of the crash remains undetermined, with authorities promising a “full and transparent investigation”.
Sabah Zita Benson’s comments reflect significant political sensitivity and ongoing public debate about possible causes and accountability for the disaster.
