Brogya Genfi: Aircraft in Tema crash for a private person

Deputy Defence Minister, Ernest Brogya Genfi has explained that, the aircraft involved in the crash in Tema Community One on Monday afternoon belongs to an individual and not the Ghana Armed Forces.

Shortly after the incident, Hon. Brogya Genfi took to his official Facebook page to indicate, “we have received reports of a fatal crash involving a privately owned microlight aircraft at Tema Community 1 this afternoon. We wish to clarify that the aircraft is not owned by the Ghana Armed Forces. We pray for the souls of the departed and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families.”

The incident, which occurred within the Tema enclave, drew significant attention due to the unusual nature of aircraft activity in the predominantly industrial city.

Residents reported hearing an abnormal engine sound moments before the aircraft went down, followed by a loud impact that prompted panic in nearby communities.

Emergency response teams, including the Ghana National Fire Service and National Ambulance Service, responded promptly to the scene to manage the situation and secure the area.

Firefighters were able to contain the situation before it escalated into a major disaster, particularly given the proximity of industrial facilities.

The Tema Regional Public Relations Officer of the service, Ebenezer Yenzu, said firefighters initially thought they were responding to a building fire.

“When we came here we realised it was not a fire involving a building but it was an aircraft that was on fire,” he explained.

He said information gathered at the scene indicated that the aircraft had been hovering in circles while attempting to land before touching down near the Tema Metropolitan Assembly daycare school.

Yenzu noted that none of the children or teachers at the school were harmed in the incident.

“The aircraft landed just close to the school. None of the kids in the school got hurt and the teachers are also safe,” he said.

In related development, Parliament has extended its condolences to the bereaved families of two persons who lost their lives in the helicopter crash.

Mr Nelson-Rockson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, the Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, conveyed the sympathies of the House during proceedings on Monday.

He noted that the tragic event had brought sorrow to the affected families and the wider community and assured them of Parliament’s solidarity in this difficult time.

The helicopter crash happened on the Oninku Drive School Park at Tema Community One on Monday.