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Accra, August 8, 2025
The remains of the eight individuals who perished in Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region are to be flown to South Africa for advanced DNA analysis, authorities have confirmed.
Initial plans had designated the 37 Military Hospital in Accra to handle the autopsies and identification procedures. However, due to the severely charred condition of the bodies, Ghanaian officials have opted for international forensic assistance to ensure accurate identification.
The Victims
Among the deceased were two serving cabinet ministers:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Others on board the ill-fated Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter included:
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot
- Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Co-pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Crew member
The officials were on a national assignment to Obuasi when the helicopter lost radar contact and crashed, sparking widespread national grief and an outpouring of condolences.
Dignified Farewell at Air Force Base
On the evening of Thursday, August 7, a somber reception ceremony was held at the Air Force Base in Accra as the remains arrived from the crash site. The coffins, draped in Ghana’s national colours, were received under tight military escort.
Leading the high-level government delegation was Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, accompanied by senior military officials, grieving relatives, and members of the clergy. The short but emotional ceremony included:
- A moment of silence
- Prayers led by military chaplains
- Final salutes by honour guards
National Mourning and Investigation
The Ghanaian government has declared three days of national mourning, from Thursday, August 7 to Saturday, August 9. All national flags are to be flown at half-mast, and official state events have been suspended.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) and other civil society groups have called for a transparent and independent investigation into the crash. The BPS urged authorities to:
“Determine the root cause of this national tragedy and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.”
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an internal probe is underway, while the Office of the President is expected to name an independent investigative team in the coming days.
