The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately reconstitute the investigation panel tasked with probing the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two cabinet ministers.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 8, the BPS expressed concern over the president’s decision to have the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) lead the inquiry, warning that such an approach risks undermining transparency, independence, and public confidence.
“An institution cannot credibly investigate itself in a matter of this magnitude, particularly where public trust, national security, and the loss of high-ranking public officials are at stake,” the statement said.
The Bureau outlined three main objections to a military-led probe: potential conflict of interest since the GAF operated the aircraft; the likelihood of limited public disclosure due to the military’s culture of confidentiality; and the fact that global best practices — including ICAO Annex 13 — require such investigations to be conducted by independent accident investigation authorities.
Citing examples from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, the BPS stressed that internationally, military aircraft accidents involving public safety are investigated by independent bodies, often with military cooperation but without military control.
To ensure credibility and alignment with international standards, the Bureau recommended that the investigation panel be reconstituted to include:
- An independent chairperson without operational or command ties to the GAF.
- Civil aviation safety experts, both local and international.
- Observers from Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee.
- Representatives from independent safety advocacy bodies.
- Technical advisors from ICAO or regional accident investigation bodies.
“This diverse, independent structure will not only meet international benchmarks but will also preserve the credibility of the investigation and uphold Ghana’s commitment to transparency and public accountability,” the Bureau stated.
