Defence, Environment Ministers and 6 others dead in military helicopter crash

National shock as helicopter crash claims lives of senior officials

Ghana is in mourning following the confirmation of a tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior ministers of state. The crash occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

Among the dead are Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Defence Minister, and Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. The two were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter on a national assignment when the aircraft disappeared from radar.

Government confirms tragic loss

At an emergency press conference in Accra, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah formally announced the tragedy and ordered that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.

“Our hearts are heavy. The government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the nation. This is a loss not just of leadership, but of dedicated public servants who believed in the future of Ghana,” he stated solemnly.

The victims: A nation’s pillars

In addition to the two ministers, the other deceased include:

• Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Samuel Aboagye, 2024 Obuasi East Parliamentary Candidate of NDC
• Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel also lost their lives in the crash:

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
• Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

Crashed en route to Obuasi for key national programme

The officials were en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a flagship initiative intended to reform Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.

The programme aims to establish regulated, community-owned mining cooperatives with access to modern equipment and environmentally sound practices.

President Nana Akufo-Addo was also scheduled to attend but reportedly cancelled due to another engagement.

Emergency response and scene details

After the aircraft lost contact with radar, emergency response teams were immediately dispatched. Harrowing images from the crash site show charred wreckage and remains, underscoring the severity of the impact.

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who had been at the Obuasi programme, left the event midway to rush to the scene upon learning of the crash.

Ghana Armed Forces begin investigations

In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. The helicopter lost contact shortly after takeoff, and no distress signal was reportedly received.

This marks the second military helicopter incident in just over a year, following a non-fatal crash in March 2024 near Bonsukrom in the Western Region.

National mourning and reflections

As the nation grapples with this devastating loss, tributes continue to pour in for the late ministers and officials who dedicated their lives to public service.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, memorial vigils and tributes are being planned across the country as Ghana reflects on a tragedy that has shaken its leadership and spirit.