A/R Minister, Lil Win, Others Survive PassionAir Flight Horror
…Passengers Recount Harrowing Ordeal
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, former Bantama MP, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, and Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, were among passengers who survived a terrifying mid-air ordeal aboard a PassionAir flight from Kumasi to Accra on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The passengers reportedly experienced moments of panic after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence shortly after takeoff, triggering fears of a possible plane crash.
Dr Kokofu, who confirmed the incident in a television interview, said the situation was so frightening that passengers feared they might not survive the flight.
He described it as the worst flying experience of his life, explaining that the aircraft experienced unusual movements in the air, far beyond what he considered normal turbulence.
“It was a harrowing experience. We all gave up,” he told Lawson TV, alleging that the aircraft appeared to have collided with something mid-air.
The former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the country could have woken up to news of a tragic aviation accident but for what he described as divine intervention.
Lil Win, who also recounted the ordeal, said heavy rainfall had begun before the aircraft took off, adding that the plane subsequently experienced frightening upward and downward movements.
According to him, passengers, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, screamed in fear as the aircraft struggled amid the adverse weather conditions.
“We were all shouting, including the Ashanti Regional Minister and others, but I kept calming them down and telling them everything would be okay,” he recounted.
He said the pilot eventually managed to stabilise the aircraft before safely landing in Accra.
The passengers also disclosed that the flight had been delayed by approximately 30 to 40 minutes before departure.
Dr Kokofu has since written to the relevant aviation authorities demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while commending the pilot for safely bringing the passengers and crew to their destination.
PASSIONAIR REACTS
Meanwhile, PassionAir has apologised to passengers and the general public following the incident, attributing the frightening experience to severe turbulence caused by sudden adverse weather conditions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the airline confirmed that its Flight OP 149, operating from Kumasi to Accra on Tuesday, November 3, encountered severe turbulence while en route.
Although describing the weather-related occurrence as an unavoidable natural event, the airline acknowledged the discomfort and distress it may have caused passengers.
“We sincerely apologise for any distress or inconvenience experienced during the flight,” the statement said.
PassionAir further assured the public that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remained its highest priority.
It added that its flight operations were conducted in strict compliance with applicable aviation safety standards, regulations and requirements established by the relevant authorities.
The airline reiterated its commitment to providing safe, smooth and comfortable air travel, assuring passengers that their safety remained its number one priority.
