A military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region has claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two prominent government ministers.
The crash, which occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, involved a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter that reportedly went off radar while en route to Obuasi. Among those on board were the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who also served as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft was carrying a total of eight people — three crew members and five passengers — including a presidential staffer and other high-profile individuals.
Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site. Disturbing images and video footage circulating on social media and obtained by Citi News show the wreckage and what appear to be charred human remains. However, authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the full extent of the casualties.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, was attending an anti-illegal mining programme at the time of the incident and reportedly abandoned the event upon learning of the crash to join emergency efforts at the scene.
In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the incident, stating that efforts were ongoing to recover the wreckage and determine the cause of the crash. The aircraft is said to have lost communication shortly after takeoff.
This marks Ghana’s second military helicopter incident in recent times. On March 19, 2024, another military chopper crash-landed near Bonsukrom in the Western Region, though that incident fortunately recorded no fatalities.
As investigations continue and the nation mourns, the following individuals have been confirmed dead:
1. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
2. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – MP for Tamale Central; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
4. Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the NDC
5. Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
6. Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
7. Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Further updates will be provided as investigations progress and next of kin are officially notified. The nation remains in shock as it grapples with the loss of these distinguished individuals.
