Defence Minister, Environment Minister and Six Others Confirmed Dead in Military Helicopter Crash
Defence Minister, Environment Minister and Six Others Confirmed Dead in Military Helicopter Crash
The government of Ghana has confirmed the tragic death of eight individuals in a devastating military helicopter crash that occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Among the victims are Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, and Murtala Mohammed, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. Their deaths were officially announced by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah during a somber press conference, where he ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
Other high-profile individuals who lost their lives include:
-
Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
-
Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament
-
Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
-
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
-
Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu
-
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the officials were aboard a Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP)—a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector.
Tragically, the helicopter lost radar contact shortly after takeoff, prompting an emergency response. Graphic images from the scene revealed the charred remains of the aircraft and its occupants. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was present in Obuasi for the event, abandoned the programme upon hearing the news and rushed to the crash site.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and a full military investigation is currently underway. This incident marks Ghana’s second military aircraft incident in under two years—the last one occurring in March 2024 in the Western Region, which fortunately claimed no lives.
In a statement, the Ghana Armed Forces reassured the public that rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The rCOMSDEP programme, backed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, aims to establish community-owned mining cooperatives, offering training, legal access to gold concessions, and environmentally friendly processing facilities.
Ghana Armed Forces Press Release.pdf
