Ghana Mourns as Speaker Bagbin Pledges Full Investigation into Tragic Microlight Aircraft Crash

The nation of Ghana is in mourning following a tragic microlight aircraft crash in Tema that claimed the lives of Captain Frank Amoanyi Donkor and his younger brother, Elijah Ofori Donkor. The accident, which occurred on March 16, 2023, has prompted the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to pledge the House's full support for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Speaking during the burial service held on March 28, the Speaker expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing the profound national loss and the necessity of uncovering the facts to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in the aviation sector following such a devastating event. Both brothers, aged 36 and 25 respectively, were deeply committed to the development of Ghana's aviation industry and were celebrated for their philanthropic spirit. Captain Frank Donkor, an experienced pilot, had recently returned to Ghana to mentor aspiring aviators at the Starwest Flight Academy. Together with Elijah, they were active members of the Alpha Aviators Association and were on the verge of launching a significant educational project aimed at donating 4,000 aviation books to students across the country. Their dedication to youth empowerment in the skies was a cornerstone of their legacy, which hundreds of mourners, including gospel artist Elder Mireku, gathered to honor at their final farewell. The burial ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials, including the Chief of Staff and various community leaders, reflecting the weight of the tragedy on the national consciousness. During the service, members of the Alpha Aviators Association vowed to continue the mission started by the Donkor brothers, ensuring their vision for aviation education in Ghana remains alive. Speaker Bagbin reiterated that Parliament would remain vigilant in its oversight to ensure that the aviation authorities conduct a thorough probe into the technical or environmental factors that led to the crash. As the Donkor family navigates this period of immense grief, the promise of a rigorous investigation provides a pathway toward improved safety standards for light aircraft operations in Ghana. The loss of such young, vibrant talent underscores the risks inherent in the field but also highlights the critical need for robust safety protocols. The collective promise from both the government and the aviation community to uphold the brothers' philanthropic mission serves as a lasting testament to their impact on the nation's youth and the future of Ghanaian aviation.