A tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region has claimed the lives of Ghana’s Defence Minister and seven others.
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday morning and has sent shockwaves throughout the country, sparking widespread grief and urgent calls for a full investigation.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that a Z-9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, lost radar contact shortly after departing Accra at 09:12 local time.
The aircraft was en route to Obuasi for a national event focused on responsible cooperative mining and skills development.
Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter burst into flames upon impact in a densely forested area, giving those on board little to no chance of survival.
Emergency response teams, including military rescue units, the Ghana National Fire Service, and local volunteers, responded swiftly to recover the remains and manage the aftermath.
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 prominent figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Minister for Communications, was widely respected for his contributions to national security and governance.
Mohammed, who represented Tamale Central in Parliament, was known for his work in environmental policy and technological advancement. Their sudden deaths have created a significant void in the nation’s political leadership.
Also killed in the crash were 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 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, speaking during a somber press conference at the Jubilee House, announced the deaths and expressed the government’s condolences.
“The president and government extend our sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” he said.
While the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, initial reports suggest the helicopter encountered technical difficulties shortly after takeoff. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have not yet released definitive findings.
The Ghana Armed Forces said efforts to recover the wreckage are ongoing. Graphic images from the crash site, showing charred debris, highlight the scale of the devastation.
This incident follows a previous, non-fatal military helicopter crash in March 2024 near Bonsukrom in the Western Region, raising renewed concerns over the safety and maintenance of military aircraft in the country.
In honour of the victims, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast until further notice.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, as citizens mourn the loss of public servants and military personnel who dedicated their lives to Ghana.
The government has pledged full support to the bereaved families and promised a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the tragic accident.