Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing at Ampekrom, Nkawkaw — All On Board Safe Amid National Mourning Over Fatal Crash
Pilot cites poor visibility for emergency landing in Eastern Region just days after fatal helicopter crash killed eight, including two ministers of state.
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A potential air disaster was averted on Monday morning when a helicopter carrying four passengers made an emergency landing at Ampekrom, near Nkawkaw, in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
Kwahu West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Alidu Tamimu, confirmed the incident, saying the landing occurred around 10:10 a.m. after the pilot reported poor visibility.
According to Hon. Tamimu, the Nkawkaw District Police Command was immediately alerted and dispatched officers to the scene. Upon arrival, police met a blue-and-white helicopter with registration number 9G-AFW and its pilot, Captain John Kaliati, who identified himself as an employee of Volta River Aviation in Accra.
Captain Kaliati told police he had departed Accra at 8:30 a.m. with four passengers bound for Akroma Gold Mines at Esaase. However, worsening weather conditions over Ampekrom forced him to bring the aircraft down in a precautionary landing.
“All passengers, together with the pilot, are safe,” the MCE assured, adding that further updates will be communicated to the public as investigations continue.
The incident comes just days after Ghana was thrown into mourning over the tragic helicopter crash in the Adansi area that claimed eight lives, including two sitting ministers of state. That crash, which involved a government-chartered aircraft, sparked urgent conversations about aviation safety, weather monitoring, and emergency response protocols in the country.
While the Ampekrom landing ended without casualties, the proximity of the two incidents in time has heightened public concern. Aviation experts say that the successful emergency manoeuvre underscores the importance of pilot experience, swift decision-making, and adherence to safety protocols.
Authorities say the Volta River Aviation helicopter will remain grounded until thorough checks are conducted, even as the country continues to investigate the circumstances of the fatal Adansi crash
