PLAYBACK: Watch the press briefing on a helicopter crash in Ghana; 8 deceased named
Ghana has been plunged into mourning following the deaths of eight individuals, including two serving ministers of state and top military officers, in a tragic Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in Accra on Wednesday morning.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, in a solemn announcement, confirmed the identities of the deceased as Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment; and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
Also among the victims were Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chair of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Amamning Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Addo Mensah.
The Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter, which was carrying the eight passengers, burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Accra at 9:12 a.m. en route to Obuasi. The aircraft lost radar contact shortly after departure and subsequently crashed. Graphic Online has obtained harrowing video footage showing the wreckage engulfed in flames, with several charred bodies visible at the scene. At least four of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.
The Ghana Armed Forces, in an earlier statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, confirmed the incident and noted that efforts had been underway to establish contact with the aircraft before the wreckage was found.
Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the crash site. The cause of the crash remains unconfirmed, though early indications suggest it could have been due to technical failure or adverse weather conditions. The Z9 helicopter is a utility aircraft commonly used for transport and medical evacuation missions by the Ghana Air Force.
Flags at government buildings are expected to be flown at half-mast as the nation grieves the loss of high-profile public servants and dedicated officers.
The 8 deceased are;
- Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairmanof the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Samuel Aboagye, a Former Parliamentary Candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala - Pilot
- Flying Officer Manin Twum Ampadu - Co-pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah - Crew Member
Watch below a government press briefing on the latest developments;
