Accra, Ghana – August 7, 2025 — Ghana is in shock following the tragic crash of a military helicopter in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of eight people, including two senior cabinet ministers and other top officials.
The Harbin Z-9 Ghana Air Force helicopter went down on Tuesday morning, August 6, while en route from Accra to Obuasi for a high-level government engagement on combating illegal mining. The aircraft disappeared from radar and was later found in the Sikaman area of Adansi, its wreckage scattered and burnt.
Among those killed were Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science & Technology Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Also on board were Samuel Sarpong, vice-chair of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Muniru Mohammed, a senior national security adviser, and three Air Force crew members. All eight occupants perished on impact.
President John Dramani Mahama described the crash as a “national tragedy,” expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families and the nation at large. “We have lost dedicated patriots who served this country with distinction. Their absence will be felt in government, in the military, and across the communities they touched,” he said in a televised address.
The President has ordered a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash and directed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to serve as acting Defence Minister until a permanent appointment is made.
Scenes of grief unfolded across the country as party members, military officers, and citizens gathered at the residences of the deceased officials to pay tribute. Flags were lowered to half-mast at government buildings, and radio stations suspended regular programming for special memorial coverage.
The crash marks one of Ghana’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years and raises urgent questions about the state of the nation’s military aviation fleet. Aviation experts have noted that the Z-9, widely used for transport and rescue missions, has a relatively safe operational record, though mechanical failure, bad weather, or pilot error are being considered as possible causes.
The helicopter was reportedly ferrying the officials to a meeting with community leaders in Obuasi, part of a government effort to address environmental degradation and illegal small-scale mining — an issue that has sparked both environmental and political debate nationwide.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, but the government has confirmed that the officials will be given state burials. The investigation, led by the Ghana Armed Forces with assistance from civil aviation authorities, is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks.
“This is a moment for unity and reflection,” President Mahama said. “We must honour their memory by continuing the work they so passionately pursued for Ghana.”
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