A lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Dr Victor Doke, has endorsed Ghana’s decision to seek foreign assistance in investigating the August 6 Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight people on board, including two cabinet ministers.
The move was confirmed by Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, when a delegation from the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs visited the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, 13 August, to console staff and leadership.
Mr. Genfi disclosed that the Ghana Armed Forces had already launched its investigation but was now partnering with international specialists to guarantee a comprehensive and impartial probe.
“We have requested international collaboration and have received a positive response,” Mr. Genfi stated.
In an interview with JoyNews’ Pearl Ofori on the midday news, Dr described the decision as “very critical” for ensuring a credible outcome.
“International cooperation in investigations should not be limited to air crashes, it could apply to any disaster that arises; it is very critical,” he stressed.
According to Dr Doke, Ghana has the authority to reach out to global investigative bodies through diplomatic missions, ministries, or directly to relevant agencies, depending on the matter at hand.
“Every country has the prerogative to call for international assistance; these specific investigative bodies will ascertain the results of any issue that they want to seek clarification on. In this case, collaborating with international agencies will enhance the process. It doesn’t mean we lack the capacity, but there may be challenges with equipment for verification or forensic analysis,” he explained.
He added that international partners bring technical depth and investigative experience that can plug gaps in local capacity.
“The partners we are engaging will bring on board enhanced expertise we do not currently have,” Dr. Doke said.
He emphasised that while transparency is key, certain elements of the inquiry must remain confidential until the final report is ready.
“The process will be kept under high secrecy because every detail regarding this crash must remain confidential until the final results are released,” he noted.
Asked what steps the investigative board of Inquiry should take to safeguard transparency and public confidence, especially in light of the high-profile nature of the victims, Dr Doke urged leaders to approach the matter as a national emergency rather than a political contest.
“We must depoliticise this issue. If the investigation shows there was human error, action must be taken and the people responsible sanctioned,” he asserted.
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