Accra, August 12, 2025
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a strong appeal to the media and the general public to exercise utmost caution and accuracy in their coverage of the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight personnel on board.
In a statement signed by Captain Veronic A Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the GAF expressed concern over the proliferation of speculative and unverified commentaries surrounding the tragic incident. The statement stressed that such reportage could deepen the grief of bereaved families and dishonour the memory of the fallen heroes.
“For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, we urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and mitigating the sorrows of the bereaved families,” the release stated.
The Armed Forces acknowledged the intense public interest in the crash but assured that meticulous investigations were underway to determine its cause. These investigations, according to the GAF, include collaboration with international agencies to ensure a thorough and conclusive outcome.
The statement warned that any premature conclusions based on “opinions, perceptions, and conjectures” would be misleading and potentially harmful, urging the public to remain wary of such reports.
GAF also extended its gratitude to the Government, institutions, and individuals for their support in this period of national mourning, reaffirming its commitment to transparency while maintaining due process in the investigative process.
“Once again, the Ministry of Defence, the Military High Command, and the entire Ghana Armed Forces extend condolences to the bereaved families. May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace,” the statement concluded.
The Z-9 helicopter crash, which occurred during an operational mission, has been described as one of the most devastating tragedies to hit the military in recent years, drawing deep sorrow from across the nation.
