Tolon MP Invokes RTI Law, Demands Helicopter Crash Probe Update from Mahama Two Months On

The Member of Parliament for Tolon and First Deputy Minority Whip, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama for a full report or interim update on the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including senior government officials, invoking the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) and Article 21of the 1992 Constitution.

In a letter dated October 27, Iddrisu highlighted the government’s August 25 pledge to establish a committee of inquiry with findings due within 30 days, yet “no report or update has since been released” despite public outcry.

“The public deserves to know what led to this tragic loss of such prominent figures and dedicated public servants,” he wrote, requesting the full investigative report or an interim briefing to uphold transparency and accountability.

The crash, involving a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter en route to an anti-galamsey event in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, killed Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

The aircraft vanished from radar shortly after departing Kotoka International Airport, crashing into a forested mountainside in the Ashanti region, one of Ghana’s worst air disasters in over a decade.

Iddrisu’s RTI request, citing the 30-day timeline, demands the report’s release or an explanation for delays, arguing it aligns with public interest and the government’s transparency commitments.

The Ghana Armed Forces and National Fire Service are leading the probe, with U.S. forensic experts assisting since August 14.4fc7b7 Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu noted President Mahama’s emotional toll from the “national tragedy.”