The government has confirmed the deaths of eight individuals in a military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Among the deceased are Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced the tragic news at a press conference and directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims. He also extended the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and the nation.
Other victims include Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and Samuel Sarpong, a Vice Chairman of the NDC.
The crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The high-ranking officials were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi on a national assignment when the aircraft lost contact with radar.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the crash site following the incident. Graphic footage and images from the scene showed the charred remains of several victims.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending the planned event in Obuasi, abandoned the programme midway and rushed to the crash site upon receiving the news.
In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that efforts were underway to locate and assess the wreckage of the aircraft, which lost contact shortly after takeoff on Wednesday morning. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
This tragic incident comes just over a year after a previous military helicopter crash on March 19, 2024, near Bonsukrom in the Western Region with no fatalities.
The programme they were attending at Obuasi was the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, rCOMSDEP, a flagship initiative designed to transform Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
The President was also expected to attend the event, but reports say that due to another engagement, he cancelled the trip.
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