Media Got It Wrong: The Truth About Ghana’s Helicopter Crash Response
When last week’s helicopter crash occurred, some media criticism on response lacked facts and proper research. Some journalists and media houses did not spread facts but ignorance. Sadly, UTV’s United Showbiz failed this test after the helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two government ministers.
Let’s be clear: most panelists spoke without knowing the facts. They attacked Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene without understanding what really happened. Only Arnold Asamoah Baidoo made sensible comments. Others, especially MC Yaa Yeboah, showed shocking ignorance.
Here are the facts:
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The Minister Wasn’t at the Crash Site Immediately
First, Dr. Amoakohene was at a mining program launch in Obuasi – where the victims were supposed to join him. Videos show him learning about the crash from Lands Minister Kofi Buah. His shocked face proves this was his first news of the tragedy. After announcing an emergency, he left for the crash site – 90 minutes away. So how could he have body bags ready, as critics suggest? Body bags aren’t prepared until deaths are confirmed.
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The Terrain Was Extremely Difficult
The crash site required a two-hour jungle trek – like climbing Ayi Mensah hills through thick bush. Despite this, the minister walked the entire way. Some criticized him for resting briefly, but photos were taken without his knowledge and used unfairly. -
Eyewitnesses Confirm the Minister’s Efforts
Media General’s Ashanti reporter Ibrahim Abubakar saw everything. His report about the helicopter crash debunks some criticism on the response time:
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Local youth reached the site first and warned about the victims’ condition
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The minister insisted on seeing the scene himself despite warnings
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Using his medical training, he identified remains despite severe burns
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Extreme heat made body bags unsafe initially
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Locals helped carry remains because they knew the paths best
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Media Broke the Rules
The minister ordered no filming at the crash site. Most journalists obeyed. The disturbing videos circulating came from reporters hiding along the path – people who weren’t at the actual scene. Later, when remains cooled, proper body bags were used as seen in official videos. -
Ghana’s Media Must Do Better
Fellow journalists: we’re failing the public. Instead of experts, shows feature loud voices with no facts. Last night’s UTV program disgraced our profession. Remember – real families are grieving these losses. -
Credit Where It’s Due
Minister Amoakohene showed true leadership:
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Used his medical skills to help identify victims
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Walked through dangerous terrain
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Ensured remains were treated with respect
To the president and grieving families: Ghana mourns with you. To the minister: Ayekoo! You’ve shown what true service means. It is evident from this tragic helicopter crash that emergency response services in the country can see more improvement. This will tone down the level of criticism surrounding response time.
Our media must stop spreading anger without facts. If you can’t research properly, don’t speak at all. Ghana deserves better.
By Eric Atsu Senyo
