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Accra, August 7, 2025
In the wake of Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two sitting cabinet ministers, President John Dramani Mahama has directed a temporary ministerial reshuffle to ensure continuity of governance.
In a press statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President announced that:
- Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance, will assume additional responsibility as Minister for Defence.
- Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, will act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
These interim appointments follow the untimely deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, alongside six others.
Nation in Mourning
The deceased were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi for the official launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) when the aircraft lost contact with radar and later crashed in a forest, erupting into flames and killing all on board.
The victims of the crash include:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
- Flying Officer Twum Ampadu – Co-pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Flight crew
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, officially confirmed the tragedy during a press briefing, directing that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen.
Continuity in Government
The President’s swift directive to appoint acting ministers ensures that critical sectors, especially Defence and Environment, maintain operational oversight during this period of national mourning and transition.
“These appointments are necessary to uphold continuity of governance while the nation mourns its fallen heroes,” the presidential statement noted.
President Mahama has also declared three days of national mourning, suspending all official engagements and calling on the nation to honour the service and memory of the deceased.
