ACCRA / ASHANTI REGION – A devastating military helicopter crash in Ghana on Wednesday claimed the lives of all eight passengers onboard, including two senior government ministers, in what officials have described as a national tragedy. The helicopter, a Ghana Air Force Z-9, vanished from radar en route to Obuasi before crashing into a wooded area in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The wreckage, found engulfed in flames, left no survivors.
Among those killed were:
Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah
Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed
Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate
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Flight crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
President John Mahama, visibly shaken by the news, declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah led the nation’s response, expressing heartfelt condolences and condemning the loss of those who “died in service to the country.”
The crash occurred while the delegation was heading to participate in an event combating illegal gold mining in the Obuasi area. Officials have yet to determine the cause, but Ghana’s National Fire Service is collaborating with military and investigative authorities to probe potential factors such as adverse weather, technical failure, or pilot error .
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Ghana and the wider West African region. The African Union and ECOWAS expressed their solidarity and remorse, offering support to the government and people of Ghana during this sorrowful time .