Ghana’s Air Force Fleet in Crisis Spotlight After Fatal Helicopter Crash

Ghana’s Air Force Fleet in Crisis Spotlight After Fatal Helicopter Crash

The fatal August 6 military helicopter crash in Adansi, which claimed the lives of eight senior officials, has thrown a harsh light on the state of Ghana’s Air Force, with new figures revealing that most of the country’s aircraft are grounded.

According to an Armed Forces Security Council report shared by IMANI Africa president Franklin Cudjoe, the operational capacity of the fleet has declined sharply over the past decade:

• MI-17 Helicopters: 4 acquired in 2013 — only 1 is currently flying.
• Casa 295 Troop Transport Planes: 3 acquired in 2013 and 2015 — only 1 operational.
• Z-9 Helicopters: 4 purchased in 2015 — only 1 in service.

The report indicates that several grounded aircraft have been cannibalised for parts to keep the remaining units operational. Mr. Cudjoe noted that political opposition to the purchase of new aircraft—often linked to suspicions over procurement contracts—has compounded the problem, leaving the Air Force with limited readiness in the face of growing operational demands.

“So where did all the €13 billion we borrowed go? Hmm,” Mr. Cudjoe wrote, questioning whether the country’s rising debt has meaningfully improved its defence capability.

Crash Brings Fleet Challenges Into Sharp Focus

The MI-17 helicopter involved in the Adansi crash was one of the few operational models in the fleet. Its loss, along with the deaths of high-ranking government and military officials, has amplified calls for a comprehensive review of maintenance practices, procurement processes, and defence investment priorities.

Authorities have recovered the aircraft’s black box—which includes the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—and expect the data to be critical in determining the cause of the crash.

DNA Results and Burials

Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh confirmed receipt of DNA results from South Africa identifying the victims. Two of them—Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed—were buried on Sunday afternoon according to Muslim tradition. Ibrahim Mahama, CEO of Engineers and Planners and brother of  President John Dramani Mahama, pledged to settle all debts owed by the two late officials.

The remaining six victims will be honored in a state funeral on August 15.

What We Know So Far

• Date of crash: August 6, 2025.
• Location: Rural Adansi.
• Victims: 8 senior officials, including the Defence Minister.
• Black box: Recovered and under investigation.
• Fleet status: Majority of Ghana Air Force transport and utility aircraft grounded.
• Next steps: State funeral for six victims on August 15; crash investigation ongoing.