BY Daniel Bampoe
Ghana is reeling from the tragic loss of two serving ministers and six others after a Ghana Airforce
Forceÿ helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The deceased include Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Also killed were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and three Air Force crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Routine Flight
The group was travelling aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter bound for Obuasi when the aircraft suddenly went off radar shortly after takeoff.
Emergency response teams rushed to the remote crash site, but by the time they arrived, the wreckage was engulfed in flames.
Graphic images obtained showed extensive damage and charred remains, though officials have not yet released the full casualty list to the public pending family notifications.Regional Minister’s Immediate Response
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining event at the time, abandoned the programme to join emergency teams at the site after receiving news of the crash.
Military Statement and Ongoing Investigation
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed in a brief statement that the helicopter had lost contact on Wednesday morning, prompting a search-and-rescue operation.
Officials have not speculated on the cause of the crash, stating that a formal investigation is underway to determine whether mechanical failure, adverse weather, or other factors played a role.
History of Military Aviation Incidents
This tragedy comes just over a year after another Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash-landed on March 19, 2024, near Bonsukrom in the Western Region.
That aircraft, carrying 21 people — including staff from the Ghana National Gas Company — went down during an offshore powerline inspection at the Atuabo Gas Plant.
While there were no fatalities in that incident, it raised questions about maintenance standards and operational readiness within the Air Force’s helicopter fleet.
The Z-9, a Chinese-built utility helicopter, is widely used by the Ghana Armed Forces for transport, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
Though considered reliable, aviation experts note its limited tolerance for harsh weather and the importance of rigorous upkeep to prevent in-flight malfunctions.
Nation in Mourniig
The loss of two high-ranking ministers and other senior officials is a severe blow to the government and the ruling NDC.
Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, civil society organisations, and citizens.
Flags are expected to be flown at half-mast as the nation mourns.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified details on social media until official updates are released, warning that misinformation could hinder the investigation and deepen the grief of families affected.
