Nation in Mourning After Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Defence, Environment Ministers

Ghana is reeling from the confirmed deaths of several high-ranking officials following the military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The crash, which involved a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter, has plunged the nation into mourning.

Among the deceased are Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Their untimely deaths have been met with an outpouring of grief across the country.

Also confirmed dead are Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The three crew members—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also perished in the crash.

Initial reports indicate the helicopter lost radar contact shortly after departing Accra en route to Obuasi. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the crash site, where graphic scenes confirmed the extent of the tragedy. Citi News was among the first to release disturbing footage showing charred remains, although authorities have yet to provide a full list of victims.

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene reportedly left an anti-illegal mining event to visit the scene as the news broke.

In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that recovery and investigation efforts are ongoing. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and aviation experts are expected to begin a full probe in the coming days.

This tragedy comes just over a year after a separate military helicopter incident on March 19, 2024, which ended without fatalities. The contrast in outcomes has renewed calls for stricter safety protocols and fleet reviews within the military.

As the nation awaits further details, tributes continue to pour in for the fallen statesmen, whose deaths mark a dark chapter in Ghana’s political and security landscape.