August 6 Helicopter Crash: Akufo-Addo Vindicated; Ghana Must Stop Politicizing Tragedies, Rely on Experts — Media Expert
Media Consultant Slams Politicization of Military Plane Crash and Calls for Evidence-Based Analysis
- Fred Amoyaw defends Akufo-Addo against baseless criticism over the August 6 helicopter crash
- Investigation confirms adverse weather as the main cause
- Consultant warns Ghana against politicizing tragedies
Digital Media Researcher and Media Consultant, Fred Amoyaw, has sharply criticized the politicization of the August 6 military helicopter crash, which claimed eight lives, warning that spreading misinformation damages national discourse and unfairly targets leaders.
According to Amoyaw, former President Nana Akufo-Addo has faced a unique combination of vilification and respect in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“Akufo-Addo is the most vilified and disrespected President,” he said, emphasizing the misguided attacks that followed the incident.
He recounted in an interview that immediately after the crash, criticism was directed at Akufo-Addo over the helicopter’s age, with some accusing him of purchasing a “20-year-old plane.” However, investigations later confirmed that the former president was not responsible for acquiring the aircraft.
Amoyaw expressed outrage at the extreme narratives pushed by some members and supporters of the NDC, who even suggested that a bird might have caused the crash. “It will only take a retarded mind to say that a bird can disturb a propeller plane,” he said.
He also lamented the public’s lack of reliance on expert analysis. “There are qualified lecturers and aviation professionals in Ghana who could have been consulted to explain what caused the crash, but the government didn’t do that, and former President Akufo-Addo was unfairly criticized,” he added.
Investigation Report Findings
The official investigation into the August 6 helicopter crash has since provided clarity. The report attributes the accident to adverse weather conditions during landing, which are a known risk factor in aviation. Investigators also confirmed that the aircraft was properly maintained, and there was no evidence of mechanical failure due to its age.
Amoyaw used the incident to highlight a broader problem in Ghanaian public discourse, noting that “a country that calls for a carpenter to offer his view on airplane issues will continue to suffer.”
He stressed that politicizing tragedies without evidence undermines national stability and disrespects victims and their families.
The media consultant concluded that Ghana must rely on expertise, facts, and proper investigations rather than rumors, speculation, or partisan attacks to prevent unnecessary divisions in society.
