Ghana is in mourning following a devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several high-profile officials on Wednesday, August 6. The tragedy happened in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, where a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter went off radar while en route to Obuasi.
Among those confirmed dead are the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Also perishing in the crash were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The aircraft was reportedly carrying the officials to a government engagement when it lost contact shortly after takeoff. Onboard were also military personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all of whom were killed in the crash.
Emergency responders were dispatched immediately after the aircraft disappeared from radar. Disturbing footage and photographs from the scene circulated on social media, depicting the charred remains of victims, though authorities have not released a comprehensive list of the deceased or injured.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, was attending an anti-illegal mining event nearby when he received news of the accident. He reportedly abandoned the program and raced to the site of the crash.
In a solemn press briefing from the presidency, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the identities of those killed:
“Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murturla Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary candidate, Squadron Leader Peter, Flying Officer Ampadu, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.”
The Ghana Armed Forces released a short statement acknowledging the aircraft’s disappearance and confirmed that recovery efforts were ongoing. “Efforts were underway to trace and assess the wreckage of the helicopter after it lost contact shortly after takeoff on Wednesday morning,” the military said.
The exact cause of the crash is not yet known, and investigations are expected to be launched immediately.
This tragedy echoes a previous incident just over a year ago, when another military helicopter crash-landed near Bonsukrom in the Western Region on March 19, 2024. That earlier accident, however, resulted in no fatalities.
