Accra, Ghana – August 6, 2025
A tragic military helicopter crash has claimed the lives of Minister of Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with six others, when the aircraft went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Fatalities Confirmed by Presidency
At a press briefing at Jubilee House, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the deaths of:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator (NDC)
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Sqn. Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot
- Flying Officer Manin Twum‑Ampadu, Co‑pilot
- Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah, Crew member
The Ghana Armed Forces had earlier issued a statement saying a Z‑9 utility helicopter departed Accra at 09:12 hrs, bound for Obuasi, lost radar contact, and was later found crashed in the Ashanti Region.
Circumstances & Context
Officials stated the helicopter was transporting senior government and party officials to attend a mining and skills development programme in Obuasi. Among the passengers were prominent members of the ruling NDC party and national security personnel. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
National Response
President John Mahama has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flown at half‑mast in honour of the deceased, described by government as a “national tragedy”.
Aftermath & Moving Forward
- Investigators from the Ghana Armed Forces and Civil Aviation Authority are collaborating to establish the cause.
- Security protocols during official air travel are already under review following this incident.
- Modeled after Ghana’s worst air disasters in over a decade, the incident has shocked the public and attracted tribute messages from both domestic and international communities.
Summary Table
| Name & Role | Status |
|---|---|
| Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Defence Minister) | Deceased |
| Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Environment Minister) | Deceased |
| Alhaji Muniru Mohammed (Deputy NSC) | Deceased |
| Dr. Samuel Sarpong (NDC Vice‑Chair) | Deceased |
| Samuel Aboagye (Former Parliamentary Candidate) | Deceased |
| Sqn. Leader Peter B. Anala (Pilot) | Deceased |
| Flying Officer Manin Twum‑Ampadu (Co‑Pilot) | Deceased |
| Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah (Crew) | Deceased |
This somber incident marks a major loss for Ghana’s leadership and raises critical questions about official air transport safety protocols. The nation mourns.
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