Two sons of Elder Kwabena Donkor, founder of the Hebron Prayer Camp near Nsawam in the Eastern Region of Ghana, have been reportedly confirmed dead following a helicopter crash in Tema Community One on Monday afternoon, 16th March.
The victims were identified as Captain Frank Donkor, a certified flight instructor, and his younger brother, Elijah. They were traveling in a Sky Arrow microlight aircraft from Ho to Accra when the incident occurred.
According to a statement by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) the aircraft, with registration number 9G-ADV, was en route from Ho to Accra when it went down at approximately 14:18 Zulu time just after 2 pm local time.
“The aircraft was flying from Ho to Accra, estimating Accra at 1520 Z. The last contact with the aircraft on radio was 1418 Z,” the GCAA statement read. “There were two persons on board.”
The crash occurred at the Oninku Drive School Park at Site 17 in Tema Community One, close to the TMA Daycare facility, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and prompting an immediate emergency response.
Reports indicate that the aircraft had been grounded for twenty plus years, only resuming operations three years ago. This has raised concerns about maintenance and safety standards for microlight planes in Ghana. The Sky Arrow is a lightweight aircraft typically used for recreational flying and training, with capacity for one or two people.
Tributes have poured in across social media, with aviation professionals and journalists describing Captain Donkor as a respected figure in the industry. Residents of Tema expressed shock at the incident, which has drawn national attention.
Detailed reports is expected from authorities in the coming days; investigations will focus on the cause of the crash, the state of the aircraft, communication protocols during the flight and recommendation for the aviation sector in Ghana.
