By Grace Zigah
The devastating air disaster at Tema has thrust prominent Ghanaian religious leader, Elder Frank Kwabena Donkor, into national focus following the tragic death of his two sons in a fatal helicopter crash on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The incident, which occurred near Oninku Park in Tema Community 1, involved a light aircraft with registration number 9G-ADV that reportedly burst into flames upon impact, killing all occupants on board.
The victims were Captain Frank Donkor, an experienced pilot said to have logged over 15 years in aviation, alongside his brother, whose identity has also been confirmed as the other deceased.
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft crashed and was immediately engulfed in flames, leaving no chance of survival for the two men.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across religious and social circles, particularly within the Hebron Prayer Camp community, where Elder Donkor serves as founder and general overseer.
The 60-year-old cleric, widely known as “Elder Frank” among his followers, leads the prayer camp located near Nsawam in the Eastern Region—a ministry he established after breaking away from the Church of Pentecost several years ago.
Elder Donkor has built Hebron Prayer Camp into one of the country’s most patronised spiritual centres, known for its intense all-night prayer sessions, healing services, and deliverance programmes that draw large crowds from across Ghana.
Over the years, Elder Donkor has cultivated a reputation as a deeply influential religious figure.
The camp continues to attract thousands, with activities often extending beyond spiritual services to include charitable initiatives such as food donations to inmates at Nsawam Prison and support for vulnerable groups.
The sudden loss of his two sons—particularly one described as a seasoned aviation professional—marks a profound personal tragedy for the cleric, whose ministry has often centred on themes of faith, endurance, and divine intervention.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, tributes have begun pouring in from sympathisers, members of the religious community, and the general public, many expressing condolences to the bereaved family.
The deaths of Captain Donkor who recently got married and his brother not only represent a significant loss to their immediate family but also add to the growing list of recent aviation-related concerns in Ghana.
Authorities are yet to release a full report on the circumstances leading to the crash, but early indications suggest that the aircraft’s impact and subsequent fire were severe, complicating recovery efforts.
