President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, beginning Thursday, August 7, 2025, following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior government ministers and three military personnel.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, August 6, the President described the incident as a national tragedy and announced the immediate suspension of all his scheduled activities and public engagements for the remainder of the week.
“This is a dark and painful moment for our nation. We mourn the loss of gallant men who died in service to Ghana,” the President stated.
The Office of the Chief of Staff has also directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast nationwide until further notice, as the nation mourns the monumental loss.
The Victims
The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate
Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress and former Kumasi Mayor
The three-member aircrew of the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter were:
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
According to preliminary reports, the team was en route to Obuasi on official assignment when the aircraft lost contact with radar. The wreckage was later discovered in a forested area, prompting a swift response from national security operatives, who have since retrieved the bodies from the crash site.
National and International Reactions
News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the country and beyond. Political leaders, civil society organisations, religious bodies, and international partners have extended their condolences to the government and families of the deceased.
Many Ghanaians have taken to social media to express sorrow and pay tribute to the victims, describing the crash as one of the darkest moments in recent national history.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ghana Armed Forces and relevant authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the crash. The cause of the incident remains unknown, though early indications suggest mechanical failure or navigation issues may have been involved.
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, where arrangements are being made for official identification and state funerals.
As the nation mourns, the government has assured the public of transparency and accountability throughout the investigation process.
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