Authorities offer cash reward for return of helicopter crash debris

The Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ARCC) has issued an appeal to residents in the Adansi area to return any items retrieved from the site of Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two government ministers.

In an official statement dated August 9, 2025, the ARCC revealed that intelligence reports confirmed some early responders at the crash scene had taken helicopter parts and personal belongings from the wreckage. 

The Council emphasised that even the smallest components—such as metals, screws, drives, or circuit boards—must be surrendered immediately to local authorities, including Unit Committees, Assembly Members, or investigating officers.

To encourage compliance, the ARCC announced a cash reward for voluntary returns before the Monday, August 11 deadline. 

However, it warned that those found retaining items beyond the cutoff would face prosecution. “Any person found in possession of such items beyond the above date would be deemed a criminal and will face the full rigours of the law,” the statement read.

The tragic crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District killed Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (also MP for Tamale Central), and six others, including military personnel and political figures. 

Among the deceased were Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and three military officers: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

In response, the government declared a three-day national mourning period, culminating in an inter-denominational state funeral at Accra’s Black Star Square on Friday, August 15. A flower-laying ceremony has already been held to honour the victims.