By Vivian Amoah
A Ghana Armed Forces helicopter carrying top government officials and military crew crashed early Wednesday morning, 6th August 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, killing all eight people on board.
The Z-9 utility helicopter had departed Accra at approximately 9:12 a.m. GMT, en route to Obuasi, when it lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. The aircraft later crashed into a forested area near Brofoyedu, bursting into flames on impact.
Among the victims were two cabinet ministers: Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister of Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. The two were part of a delegation scheduled to attend a mining-related function in Obuasi.
Presidency announcement of fatalities in Helicopter crash killing eight persons (By Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah)
Other high-profile casualties included Dr. Samuel Sarpong, a former Ashanti Regional Minister and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, a former Agriculture Minister and deputy national security coordinator.
Also killed were the three Air Force crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter flying at a low altitude before crashing into trees and exploding. Rescue teams from the military and National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) arrived at the site hours later, confirming that there were no survivors. The wreckage was described as completely burnt beyond recognition.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, President John Mahama expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy, declaring a national period of mourning. He directed that flags at all government institutions be flown at half-mast for the next seven days.
“This is a painful moment for our country. We have lost patriotic citizens, dedicated public servants, and brave men of our Armed Forces,” the President said.
The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ministry of Transport have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Although the weather in Accra at the time of departure was reported to be clear, sources close to the aviation unit say a sudden change in weather conditions along the flight path may have contributed to the crash. Mechanical failure has not been ruled out.
Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in from across the political divide, civil society, and the international community. The NDC described the deaths as “a monumental loss to the party and the nation,” while opposition leaders also expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation.
As families of the victims mourn, the nation awaits further details from the crash inquiry, which is expected to be led by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in collaboration with international aviation safety experts.
