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The government of Ghana has confirmed the deaths of eight individuals, including two senior ministers, following a tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Among the deceased are Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed. The group was aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi for a national assignment when the aircraft lost radar contact.
At a somber press conference in Accra, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the tragic loss and directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen. He extended the government’s deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the entire nation.
“Ghana mourns the loss of dedicated patriots who gave their lives in service to the country. This is a dark day for us all,” Mr. Debrah said.
Other Victims Identified
The crash also claimed the lives of:
- Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Aboagye, former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
- Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC and former Mayor of Kumasi
The helicopter crew members who perished in the line of duty were:
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Crash Details and Immediate Response
The helicopter reportedly lost communication with air traffic control shortly after taking off. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene in Adansi Akrofuom. Graphic footage and images from the site have since circulated online, showing the charred wreckage and remains.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was awaiting the delegation’s arrival at the programme venue in Obuasi, left the event midway upon learning of the incident and rushed to the crash site.
In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that recovery operations were ongoing and that a full investigation had commenced to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time.
Context and National Significance
The delegation was traveling to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
President John Mahama was also scheduled to attend the event but canceled his trip due to another engagement, government sources have confirmed.
This tragedy comes just over a year after another military helicopter crash on March 19, 2024, near Bonsukrom in the Western Region. That incident resulted in no fatalities.
Ghana in Mourning
The loss of these high-ranking officials and servicemen has sent shockwaves across the nation. Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens alike.
