Following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five government officials and three military personnel, former Deputy Minister of Defence, Major (Rtd) Derick Oduro, has spoken out in defense of the aircraft involved, describing it as one of the best in the Ghana Armed Forces’ fleet.
In an interview with Atinka TV with Bernard Lav and Paul Norsah, Major Oduro expressed his sorrow over the incident but emphasized the reliability and versatility of the Z-9EH helicopter, which was the aircraft involved in Wednesday’s crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
“I’ve used it countless times. It is one of the best we have. It can drop parachutes, it can drop bombs, and it can perform so many functions,” he said.
Major Oduro revealed that during his tenure at the Defence Ministry, he frequently used the Z-9EH helicopter, especially for anti-illegal mining operations. He explained that while ministers from other sectors are required to obtain clearance through the Jubilee House to access military aircraft, Defence Ministers are allowed more direct access due to the nature of their responsibilities.
“As a Deputy Minister, I could call the Air Force Commander or the base directly and have the helicopter prepared within an hour. It’s like your car as a defense minister.”
Despite his endorsement of the aircraft’s quality, the retired army officer acknowledged that no aircraft is immune to technical failures.
“Every helicopter can develop a fault in the air. But our commanders always ensure it is airworthy before any flight. If a fault occurs mid-air and can’t be controlled, the plane will fall — there’s nothing anyone can do.”
He added that in emergency situations, the aircraft is designed to land at the nearest safe location — be it a school park or an open space. However, when malfunctions are beyond the pilot’s control, disasters can be unavoidable.
Major Oduro also expressed hope that data retrieved from the aircraft’s black box, which is built to be fireproof, would provide critical information to help determine the exact cause of the crash.
“I am confident it will help us understand what went wrong,” – he said.
The fatal crash has plunged the nation into mourning. President Mahama has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of the eight victims, and investigations into the crash are already underway.
By Ebenezer Madugu
