Tuesday, March 19, 2024, saw the emergency landing of a Ghanaian Armed Forces helicopter at Bonsukrom in Agona Nkwanta, in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region.
The cause of the forced landing is still unknown.
According to a resident who spoke to JoyNews, the helicopter hovered over the area for some time in an attempt to find a suitable site for an emergency landing, but lost its balance and crashed into nearby trees.
The aircraft was situated approximately 20 metres away from the Bonsukrom road.
The helicopter stuck among the shrubs can be seen from the side in amateur video.
According to a statement from the military, the helicopter carried 21 passengers, including aircrew and employees of the Ghana National Gas Company.
They were said to be “Conducting routine offshore powerline inspection of the Atuabo Gas plant when the incident occurred.”
Although some of them had minor injuries, no deaths had been reported, according to another eyewitness who spoke with Myjoyonline.
He said “We were on our way back from Dixcove when we heard a loud ‘boom’ sound.”
According to reports, this incident drew a sizable crowd to the location as many town residents trooped over.
However, as the passengers were being transported to the hospital for medical attention, security officers made an effort to keep the throng at bay.
For emergency care, one of the injured is being taken to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The GAF also stated that “preliminary assessments have commenced to ascertain the cause of the incident” in the statement released by Brig. Gen. Aggrey-Quashie, Director of Public Relations.