Accra-based lawyer Austin Brako-Powers has declared Ghana’s deadly military helicopter crash demands deeper scrutiny, insisting the incident “leaves more questions than answers.”
His call comes as President John Mahama observes three days of national mourning for Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others killed in the August 6 disaster.
Brako-Powers emphasized the investigation must comprehensively cover the helicopter’s pre-flight checks, in-flight operations, and final moments. “Plane crashes trigger complex probes involving agencies, lawyers, and grieving families seeking accountability,” he stated.
“This process cannot be rushed or narrowed.” He questioned whether critical evidence was preserved, noting reports of compromised remains at the Adansi District crash site.
The legal practitioner delivered a stark assessment of Ghana’s emergency readiness: “Our response reveals how much growing we must do as a nation.” He urged retooling police, fire services, and medical teams to properly secure disaster sites, locate survivors, and prevent contamination.
“How we handled the ministers’ remains casts doubt on our preparedness,” Brako-Powers added, stressing that trained responders save lives and truth.
His critique extends beyond this tragedy, framing it as a wake-up call for systemic reform. While the nation grieves, his challenge lingers: Can Ghana transform shock into actionable change before the next crisis strikes?
