A micro-light aircraft on 16th March, 2026 crashed and burst out into flames near a school park in Tema Community 1(one), killing two siblings at the spot, namely: Captain Frank Donkor and Elijah Nana Yaw Donkor. Captain Frank Donkor who was known as an experienced pilot is highly respected certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII), admired by many for his professionalism, dedication and significant contributions to the aviation training in Ghana. He is known to have had over 15years of flying experience and regarded as a skilled calm aviator with the community. Whilst Elijah Nana Yaw Donkor, is also known as a fish farmer and a recent University Graduate. Both sons are Elder Frank Donkor’s children (the founder and leader of the Hebron Prayer Camp). This devastating incidence has since, left shockwaves through the aviation community including families, colleagues, friends and everyone to grieve on the sudden loss of these two beloved individuals.
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) upon this news; also issued a statement confirming that the aircraft with registration number 9G-ADV, was en route from Ho to Accra when it went down at approximately 14:18 Zulu time; just after 2pm local time with two persons on board. GCAA mentioned that the accident occurred at the Oninku Drive School Park at site 17 in Tema Community 1, close to the TMA Daycare facility and sent thick plumes of smoke into the air, prompting an immediate emergency response. Meanwhile, the Divisional officer II – Ebenezer Yenzu who is a Regional Public Relations Officer of Ghana National Fire Service in Tema informed that, firefighters received a distress call at approximately 12:59pm, making them rushed to the scene but only to realized that there was already a high blazing fire due to the chopper that had fallen. So by the time the emergency personnel arrived, teachers, pupils and all staff had already evacuated from their school’s compound to gather safely on the street.
Yenzu informed that together with GHAPOHA, they tried their best to douse the fire and to at least cordon off the area so as not to create any health hazards to the occupants around. But after dousing these flames, they realized that the aircraft’s chopper had two persons whose bodies was so deteriorated and therefore nothing could be done than to retrieve and send them to the morgue through the police and autopsy.
The Deputy Defense Minister – Ernest Broga Genfi on the other hand, also took to his facebook account to inform the general public that the aircraft do not belong to the Ghana Armed Forces and as well expressed sincere condolences to the bereaved family.
Opinions from the public
Ghanaians shared in so much of their grieve, deepest condolences and sorrows regarding this incidence because, just somewhere last year on 6th August, 2025, same fatal plane crash occurred at the Accra-Kumasi particularly in the areas of obuasi to also claim 8 strong public servants of the Republic of Ghana. These leaders namely – Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation), Alhaji Muniru Mohammed (Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator), Samuel Sarpong (Vice Chairman of NDC), Samuel Aboagye (NADMO Deputy Director), Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Defense Minster), Peter Bafemi Anala (Squadron Leader), Twum Ampadu (Flying Officer) and Ernest Addo (Sergeant), were simply on a mission to attend an event regarding illegal mining (galamsey) activities fight, in the Ashanti Region. However, they never returned and so, this other plane crash recently has caused fear and panic among Ghanaians to wonder if it is through journeying by sea, by road or by air that is safe.