Ghanaian authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including two senior government ministers, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter reportedly went off radar during a flight to Obuasi. The aircraft crashed, killing all those on board.
Among the victims were:
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Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
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Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
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Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
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Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
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Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
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Along with three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
In the wake of the crash, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed it is collaborating with multiple security and aviation agencies to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Speaking to the media, Desmond Ackah, Head of Public Relations at GNFS, emphasized the complexity of the case:
“Crashes of this magnitude require inter-agency coordination. The GNFS is primarily handling rescue, extrication, and fire risk management, while aviation and security experts work on gathering technical evidence,” he said.
According to Mr. Ackah, no conclusions have yet been drawn, but preliminary steps have included securing the crash site, recovering black box data (if available), and interviewing witnesses and air traffic personnel.
Early reports suggest the aircraft experienced technical difficulties before losing radar contact. However, investigators are being tight-lipped as they await forensic analysis and flight data reviews.
Grim images from the crash site, published by Citi News, show the charred remains of the aircraft and its occupants, heightening public demand for answers.
The tragic event prompted an immediate response from top government officials. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene left an anti-illegal mining event upon hearing the news and arrived at the crash scene to oversee emergency operations.
To honour the fallen, the government has ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast and has pledged transparency in the ongoing investigation.
Investigators from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, and the Civil Aviation Authority are expected to brief the public in the coming days as they piece together the timeline and possible causes of one of Ghana’s deadliest air disasters in recent memory.
