The Government of Ghana has confirmed the death of eight individuals, including two serving ministers, in a tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed. The Z-9 military helicopter, operated by the Ghana Armed Forces, lost radar contact shortly after takeoff from Accra en route to Obuasi on an official assignment.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who broke the devastating news during a press briefing, announced that national flags will fly at half-mast in honour of the deceased. He also conveyed the government’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire nation.
Also among the victims were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and Samuel Sarpong, a Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The flight crew, who also died in the crash, included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Emergency responders rushed to the crash site following the incident. Shocking visuals from the scene revealed the charred remains of several victims, painting a grim picture of the scale of the tragedy. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was already in Obuasi for the event the delegation was due to attend, left midway to visit the crash site.
In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the incident, adding that recovery efforts were ongoing and investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the crash.
The officials were travelling to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) — a major national initiative aimed at reforming Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. The programme is designed to introduce regulated, community-owned mining cooperatives equipped with modern gold recovery and water treatment technologies. These cooperatives would also benefit from professional training, legal concessions, and shared processing infrastructure.
President Nana Akufo-Addo was also expected at the event but reportedly cancelled his attendance due to other commitments.
This incident marks Ghana’s second military aviation accident in recent times. Just over a year ago, on March 19, 2024, another helicopter crash occurred near Bonsukrom in the Western Region, though no lives were lost in that case.
The tragic deaths of these high-ranking officials have plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from across political lines, civil society, and the international community.
