'I almost shut down Ghana's internet after helicopter crash' – Sam George reveals

Ghana's Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has revealed that he came close to ordering a nationwide internet shutdown in the aftermath of the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.

The devastating incident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of several high-ranking officials and military personnel, sending shockwaves across the nation.

A Nation in Mourning

Among those lost in the crash were:

• Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

• Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation

• Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament

• Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The military personnel who perished included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

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Graphic Videos Force a Tough Decision

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Minister George described the situation as a "mixed experience" and praised telecom companies—MTN, Telecel, and AirtelTigo—for their swift cooperation.

"When the incident happened, I was distraught, but we still had a responsibility to the state," he said.

"I got a call about the videos that started circulating. Most of them were on WhatsApp—a platform not controlled by any country. It’s a private business."

As disturbing footage spread rapidly, the minister faced a critical choice:

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1. Shut down Ghana’s internet to stop the videos from circulating before official notifications reached victims' families.

2. Find an alternative solution that wouldn’t disrupt essential communications nationwide.

"I was worried about the mental health of the victims’ children and spouses," he explained. "Such a tragedy needs to be broken in a certain way."

However, he recognised that an internet blackout could backfire. "Many of you stream the news, and cutting access could create a ripple effect worse than what we were trying to fix. So, we left it intact."

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A Coordinated Response Instead

Instead of a shutdown, the minister worked behind the scenes:

• Contacted Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) to limit the spread of graphic content.

• Mobilised telecom providers to send 30 million SMS alerts within two hours—fully funded by the companies—urging restraint.

"All those messages asking people to exercise restraint were paid for by the telecom companies themselves," he noted.

A Lesson in Crisis Management

This incident highlights the challenge of balancing public safety with digital freedom. While an internet shutdown was a real consideration, the government’s collaborative approach—working with telecom firms and social media platforms—proved more effective.

Moving forward, Ghana must strengthen crisis response protocols to handle sensitive situations without resorting to extreme measures. The tragedy serves as a reminder that responsible communication, rapid coordination, and public cooperation are key in times of national grief.

As the country mourns, the focus remains on honouring the victims while ensuring such a heartbreaking situation is managed with both urgency and compassion.