Why Sabotage in Ghana’s Military Helicopter Crash Is Highly Unlikely – Experts Explain
Following the recent military helicopter crash in Ghana that claimed the lives of top officials, public speculation has given rise to rumours of sabotage. However, experienced military professionals insist such claims are near impossible given the systems, training, and protocols in place.
Maintenance Protocols Rule Out Faulty Aircraft
According to newsghana.com.gh, former Deputy Defence Minister Major Derrick Yaw Oduro (Rtd) dismissed the idea of sabotage or mechanical negligence, explaining that Ghana’s Armed Forces operate under strict maintenance schedules.
He noted that military aircraft undergo regular servicing, inspections, and thorough pre-flight checks—making mechanical faults or deliberate tampering highly improbable.
“This can only be about bad weather, not a faulty helicopter,” he stressed.
Pilot’s Experience Supports Accident Theory
Retired Wing Commander Patrick Nelson Sogbodjor, in an interview cited by radiogoldlive.com, defended the competence of the pilot, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala.
With over a decade of helicopter flying experience and the responsibility of captaining VVIP flights, Anala is considered among the best in the Air Force.
“For him to be selected as the captain of VVIP flights, he might be one of the best… I assume whatever happened could have been a genuine accident,” Sogbodjor stated.
Evidence Collection Underway
According to citinewsroom.com, the crash investigation is already in motion, with the black box flight recorders recovered. This equipment will provide crucial data on the final moments before the crash.
The outlet also reported that a full Board of Inquiry has been set up to establish the exact cause, ensuring a fact-based conclusion rather than relying on speculation.
Why Sabotage Claims Don’t Add Up
When combining expert testimony, procedural safeguards, and ongoing investigations, the argument for sabotage quickly loses weight:
| Factor | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|
| Strict Maintenance | newsghana.com.gh – Military aircraft are meticulously serviced and inspected. |
| Expert Pilot | radiogoldlive.com – Pilot had 10–12 years’ experience and VVIP clearance. |
| Data-Based Inquiry | citinewsroom.com – Black box and official investigation will determine cause. |
Conclusion
While the tragedy has understandably sparked emotional reactions, multiple credible sources point towards weather or unforeseen circumstances rather than sabotage. The Ghana Armed Forces’ professionalism, the pilot’s reputation, and the recovery of technical evidence all reinforce this perspective.
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Source: raylizaghana.com
