VRA Denies Helicopter Ownership Amidst Nkawkaw Emergency Landing
Accra, Ghana – 14 August, 2025 – The Volta River Authority (VRA) has clarified it does not own or operate the helicopter that made an emergency landing in Nkawkaw, Eastern Region, on Monday, August 11, 2025. The incident occurred due to poor visibility caused by bad weather.
In a statement signed by David Adomako Mensah, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, the VRA emphasized that the helicopter belongs to Volta River Aviation Limited (VRAL), a separate entity registered with the Petroleum Commission. "We would like to state unequivocally that the said helicopter does not belong to VRA, and neither does VRA operate aviation services," the statement reads.
Volta River Aviation Limited is a company established in the 1990s and registered with the Petroleum Commission. It operates helicopter services in Ghana, holding an air operator certificate since 2002. VRAL specializes in services such as offshore transport, security operations, mining logistics, insurance, and medical evacuations.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has raised concerns about the registration status of the helicopter. Chief Forecaster Felicity Ahafianyo warned that unregistered aircraft may not have access to official weather updates, which could compromise flight safety.
The VRA reiterated its core mandate, stating, "The mandate of the Volta River Authority is to provide affordable, reliable electricity to power economies and add value to lives. Our mandate does not include the provision of aviation services." The Authority has urged the public and media outlets to verify information with its Corporate Affairs and External Relations Department before publication.
The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny over aviation safety following a fatal military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, which claimed eight lives, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Below is th detailed statement from the VRA:
Source – Lead News Online/Jones Opoku
