ACCRA, Ghana
All eight occupants of the Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter that went missing earlier today have been confirmed dead, including Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.
The aircraft, which departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. Wednesday en route to Obuasi, lost communication with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. A search and rescue operation was launched, but the wreckage has now been located with no survivors.
Ghanaian journalist Engr. Muhammed Nurudeen confirmed the fatal crash, stating that all eight people onboard three crew members and five passengers perished in the incident.
The helicopter was on an official mission when it disappeared from radar, prompting a national emergency response. Among those killed was Dr. Boamah, a highly respected public servant, physician, and key member of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s cabinet.
The Ghana Armed Forces had earlier issued a press release acknowledging the loss of contact with the aircraft, but withheld further details pending confirmation. News of the crash and fatalities has plunged the nation into mourning.
President Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver an official statement, and sources indicate that national mourning may be declared. Government flags have already been lowered to half-mast in honor of the victims.
This tragic crash marks one of the most devastating air disasters in Ghana’s military history and raises questions about the safety of military aircraft and the state of aviation logistics within the armed forces.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across Africa and beyond, honoring Dr. Boamah’s service and the sacrifice of the military personnel lost in the line of duty.
