The Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, has responded to public allegations surrounding the handling of search and recovery efforts following a deadly military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region. The incident, which occurred in August, claimed the lives of eight people, including senior government officials and military personnel.
Addressing the claims, the minister firmly denied accusations that he was distracted by recording videos or failed to take the situation seriously during the search operation. He described the allegations as misleading and unfair, stressing that his focus at the time was on supporting emergency responders and ensuring coordination between security agencies and investigators.
Dr Amoakohene explained that from the moment the crash was confirmed, authorities moved quickly to secure the area, assist recovery teams, and protect critical evidence. He noted that the retrieval of essential aircraft components, including flight data and wreckage parts, was treated as a top priority to aid ongoing investigations into the cause of the crash.
The minister also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that speculation and misinformation can undermine national efforts and cause distress to affected families. He emphasized the importance of cooperation, particularly from residents near the crash site, and commended individuals who voluntarily returned debris and other materials linked to the aircraft.
According to officials, the investigation remains active, with security agencies continuing to analyze recovered evidence. The tragedy has reignited broader discussions about emergency response coordination, communication during national crises, and the role of public officials during sensitive operations.
As investigations proceed, government representatives have reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring the public that all findings will be communicated once confirmed.
