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A Ghana Armed Forces helicopter carrying top government officials crashed in the early hours of Wednesday, August 6, killing all eight people on board. The accident occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, prompting nationwide mourning and urgent calls for investigation.
The deceased include Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. Also among the dead were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.
The military aircraft, a Harbin Z-9 helicopter, departed from Accra at approximately 9:12 a.m. GMT en route to Obuasi, where the delegation was scheduled to attend a stakeholders’ engagement on responsible small-scale mining. The chopper lost radar contact shortly after takeoff, and wreckage was later located in a densely wooded area near Adansi Akrofuom.
Initial rescue efforts confirmed the deaths of all eight occupants, including Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer MA Neen Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all crew members from the Ghana Air Force.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as “a national tragedy,” advising that flags across state institutions be flown at half-mast for three days. President John Mahama has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Mourners have gathered at the homes of the victims and at party offices, particularly at the NDC headquarters and at Dr. Boamah’s residence, as the nation comes to terms with the loss.
This is not only a tragedy for the families affected, but also a dark moment in our national history. “We have lost some of our brightest public servants,” Mr. Debrah said.
Security has since been heightened around military aviation operations, and a technical investigative committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest no foul play, but factors such as mechanical failure or adverse weather are being considered.
As a precautionary measure, the Ghana Armed Forces has temporarily grounded all Z-9 helicopters pending full safety checks. The Z-9, a Chinese-manufactured utility helicopter, has been part of Ghana’s defense aviation fleet since 2011.
The loss of Ministers Omane Boamah and Murtala Muhammed leaves significant leadership gaps in the defence and environmental sectors. Analysts expect an urgent Cabinet reshuffle in the coming days as the government works to stabilize operations.
Ghanaians across the country have taken to social media and places of worship to express their grief. Candlelight vigils are already being planned in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale.
The helicopter involved was a Chinese-built Harbin Z‑9, commonly deployed by the Ghana Air Force for transport, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation missions. While it previously experienced a non-fatal incident in March 2024, this crash is among Ghana’s deadliest military aviation disasters in over a decade
As investigations continue, the nation remains united in sorrow — and in the search for answers.
By: Opoku Bright Acheampong
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