Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Abla Dzifa Gomashie has vowed that the recent helicopter crash, which claimed eight prominent lives, will not shake her commitment, or that of other public servants, to serving Ghana with full dedication.
During an interview with UTV amid the national mourning period, a visibly emotional Gomashie reflected on the sudden loss of colleagues and military personnel who died in the line of duty.
“My father has passed away, and he will be buried on Saturday. We had been prepared for his passing since he was old, but this particular loss (the helicopter crash) has been especially painful. You dedicated yourself to serving the nation, and while on an important mission, you tragically lost your life.
“This is incredibly difficult for us. However, we must not let this deter us from continuing our work,” she said, fighting back tears.
The fatal incident occurred on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter, en route from Accra to Obuasi, crashed into a forest near Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region. The aircraft, which departed at 9:12 a.m., went down mid-flight and burst into flames, killing all eight on board.
The victims were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Watch Gomashie’s sad remarks below.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Abla Dzifa Gomashie breaks down in tears as she mourns the eight victims of the helicopter crash.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/bRNuvYfHCB
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) August 7, 2025
