The Minority in Parliament has demanded full disclosure of the report on the August 6 military helicopter crash.
In a statement signed by the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the caucus said transparency and accountability must guide the handling of the matter.
“The Minority Caucus expects, in the spirit of transparency and full disclosure, to receive the whole report to offer our objective and comprehensive view on the findings,” the statement said.
It explained that this was “not with the intent to point accusing fingers but with the poise to state our principled position and constructively support the implementation of necessary measures there-in in the best interest of our dear nation-state.”
The caucus emphasised that its call was not an attempt to politicise a sensitive national security issue.
“We, the Minority Caucus, would like to take the moral high ground and refrain from politicising such a sensitive Defence and Security matter of public interest,” it stated.
It, however, urged government to be bold in taking a public stance on the report.
“We demand that the government boldly state their position and plans relative to the Helicopter Crash Investigation Report and ultimately lead the charge in charting the way forward towards the full implementation of the report,” the statement said.
The Minority also used the moment to caution against past political behaviour surrounding military aviation issues.
“Events of August 6th Disaster, on hindsight, should remind every politician who disingenuously politicised military aircraft and presidential travel platforms in the past, that the Ghana Armed Forces and the safety of our people ought to be prioritised over parochial partisan politics,” it declared.
The caucus reaffirmed its earlier decision to avoid politicising the tragedy but maintained its commitment to seeing the recommendations of the report carried out.
“The Minority Caucus would like to reaffirm our earlier position to refrain from politicising the military helicopter crash and its consequential investigation report, but reiterate our commitment to pursue the implementation of the report in the best interest of the people of Ghana,” it stated.
It concluded by extending sympathy to the families affected by the crash.
“Once again, the Minority Caucus extends our assurances and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families of the August 6th departed heroes.”