The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has appealed to journalists, commentators, and the general public to avoid spreading unverified information regarding the tragic Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of all eight personnel on board.
In a press release signed by Captain V. A. Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the GAF expressed deep concern over the increasing circulation of speculative narratives following the accident. The military emphasized that such unfounded claims not only risk misleading the public but also intensify the pain and grief being experienced by the families and loved ones of the fallen officers.
“For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panellists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families,” the statement read.
The GAF confirmed that a comprehensive and detailed investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway. The process, it noted, will be carried out with the highest level of professionalism, and if necessary, international aviation agencies will be engaged to provide technical assistance and ensure transparency in the findings.
The Armed Forces also warned that any premature conclusions or assumptions at this stage are unfounded and should be avoided. “At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the release cautioned.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the government, state institutions, and the Ghanaian public, the GAF pledged to keep the nation informed as the investigation progresses. It also paid tribute to the eight officers, describing them as gallant patriots who served the nation with honour and dedication until their last moments.
“May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace,” the statement concluded, reinforcing the call for unity, respect, and sensitivity in the wake of this national tragedy.
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