A devastating military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region has claimed the lives of Ghana’s Defence Minister and seven other persons.
The crash has been described as a national tragedy.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for a thorough investigation.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that a Z-9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, lost radar contact shortly after taking off from Accra at 09:12 local time, en route to Obuasi for a national event focused on responsible cooperative mining and skills development.
Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft caught fire upon impact in a densely forested area, leaving little chance of survival for those on board.
Emergency response teams, including military rescue units, the Ghana National Fire Service, and local volunteers, were swiftly deployed to contain the situation and recover the victims’ remains.
Among the deceased were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Boamah, a key figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Minister for Communications, was widely respected for his contributions to national security and governance.
Mohammed, the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, was known for his work in environmental policy and technological innovation. Their deaths have left a significant void in Ghana’s political landscape.
Other victims included Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC and former Ashanti Regional Minister; and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East.
The three military crew members were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, in a somber press conference at the Jubilee House, announced the tragedy and extended the government’s condolences, stating, “The president and government extend our sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities yet to release definitive findings.
Initial reports suggest the helicopter experienced difficulties shortly after takeoff, but no official cause has been confirmed.
The Ghana Armed Forces noted that efforts to trace and assess the wreckage are ongoing, with graphic images from the scene showing charred remains, underscoring the severity of the incident.
This tragedy follows a non-fatal military helicopter crash in March 2024 near Bonsukrom in the Western Region, raising concerns about the safety and maintenance of Ghana’s military aircraft.
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast until further notice as a mark of respect for the victims.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining event in Obuasi, abandoned the programme to rush to the crash site upon receiving the news.
Tributes have poured in from across Ghana, with citizens and leaders mourning the loss of dedicated public servants and military personnel.
The government has pledged full support to the families of the deceased and promised a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the crash.
