6th Aug 2025
The government has confirmed the tragic deaths of eight individuals in a military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Among the victims are two senior government officials: the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed.
Announcing the news at a press conference, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah expressed deep sorrow and directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire nation.
Other prominent individuals who perished in the crash include Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and Samuel Sarpong, a Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The aircrew aboard the ill-fated Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The high-ranking officials were en route to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP), a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector. The helicopter reportedly lost contact with radar shortly after takeoff.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was already at the Obuasi venue, abandoned the programme and rushed to the crash site upon receiving the news. Graphic images and footage from the scene revealed charred wreckage and remains.
In a statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that emergency teams were dispatched to the scene and that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. The incident comes just over a year after a previous military helicopter crash on March 19, 2024, near Bonsukrom in the Western Region, which resulted in no fatalities.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was initially scheduled to attend the Obuasi event, reportedly cancelled his trip due to other engagements.
