Nation grieves as tributes pour in for 8 lives lost in military helicopter crash
A deep sense of national mourning has gripped Ghana following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians, including two sitting ministers, senior security officials, a political party executive, and military personnel.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, near Brofoyedu in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, has sparked widespread grief and tributes from key institutions, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, and civil society.
Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu
Augustina Tawiah reports that the Methodist Church Ghana has expressed its condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana. In a statement signed by the Presiding Bishop, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, the church described the incident as a national tragedy that should inspire reflection and unity.
“This national tragedy brings us face-to-face with the fragile nature of life, yet we are reminded that the God we serve is ‘a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1),” the church noted, while praying for divine comfort for the bereaved.
The ill-fated Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter had departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. en route to Obuasi with passengers travelling to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP). According to military sources, radar contact was lost shortly after takeoff. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft burst into flames upon impact.
The victims have since been named as Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and MP for Tamale Central; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; and military officers Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Amaning Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In a separate tribute, the Judicial Service of Ghana and Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, described the deceased as patriots whose “untimely passing is not only a personal loss to their loved ones but also a grievous blow to the country they so faithfully served.” The Judiciary pledged prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and called on the country to uphold their legacies of courage and service.
Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs
Alberto Mario Noretti reports from Ho that Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, also conveyed his profound sorrow. “May the souls of these faithful departed rest in eternal peace,” he said, expressing sympathy to the President, the government, and the entire nation. The Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, Rt Rev Dr Lt Col Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (rtd), described the deceased as “visionaries who gave their lives in service to the nation.” He urged Ghanaians to honour their memory through resilience and unity.
Rt Rev Dr Lt Col Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (rtd), Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) also joined the chorus of mourning. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Godwin Nickleson Amarh, GNASSM emphasised the contribution of the deceased to Ghana’s development.
“We pray that the souls of the departed rest in peace and that the bereaved families find the strength to navigate this difficult time,” the association said. It noted that the delegation was travelling to inaugurate a key initiative against illegal mining and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s mining environment.
James Kofi Annan, President of Challenging Heights
In an impassioned appeal, Challenging Heights, a child protection NGO, called on the government to honour the victims by implementing the RCOMSDEP programme. James Kofi Annan, President of the organisation, said: “Let the memory of those we have regrettably lost be the fuel for intensified, unwavering action.” The group underscored the devastating impact of illegal mining on children and the environment, urging comprehensive reforms to combat child labour and environmental destruction.
Similarly, Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana (EPL Ghana) paid tribute to the eight deceased officials, describing them as models of public service. Ms Juliet Amoah, Country Director, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to upholding the values the victims stood for. “We honour the memory of these individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” she stated.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines also released a statement mourning the loss of key collaborators in the fight against illegal mining. The Chamber described the deaths of Ministers Boamah and Murtala Mohammed as a blow to its multi-stakeholder efforts aimed at protecting mining concessions and Ghana’s water bodies. “Their leadership and collaboration were foundational,” the statement read. The Chamber pledged to continue its mission in their honour and called for intensified efforts to eradicate illegal mining.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) extended its deepest condolences and described the deceased as "gallant servants of the nation". The association urged journalists and media houses across the country to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, empathy, and sensitivity in their reportage of the incident. "We must honour the memory of the departed by treating this incident with the dignity and respect the deceased deserves," the statement read.
Jospong Group mourns helicopter crash victims as "True Patriots"
Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, has joined national mourning efforts following yesterday's fatal helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two government ministers.
In a statement published today, the business leader described the victims as "dedicated Ghanaians" who served the nation with distinction.
The condolence message named all eight casualties: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; NDC officials Samuel Sarpong and Samuel Aboagye; along with military personnel Squadron Leader Peter Baferni Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
"This is a heartbreaking loss — to their families, to the Government, and to the Nation they served with honour and distinction," Dr. Agyepong stated. "Ghana has lost true patriots." The business magnate extended sympathies on behalf of his conglomerate, adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May their souls find perfect peace."
J.J. Rawlings Foundation mourns victims of military helicopter crash
The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has joined the nation in mourning the eight individuals who lost their lives in the tragic Ghana Air Force helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Foundation described the incident as a “terrible and unbelievable” loss, expressing heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana.
“The loss is a terrible and unbelievable one and we extend our utmost condolences to the President, Government and people of Ghana,” the statement read.
The Foundation paid special tribute to the families, friends and admirers of the victims, noting that the deceased passed “serving God and country.” It also extended its sympathies to the Ghana Armed Forces, which lost three of its personnel in the line of duty.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to all the families, friends and admirers of these men who passed serving God and country. Our sympathies also go to the officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces who lost their colleagues in the line of duty,” the statement added.
The Foundation called for national reflection and unity in honour of the departed, urging citizens to pause and pray for their souls.
“We pray for divine strength and fortitude as we all mourn the souls of the dearly departed. This is a national tragedy. Let us all pause to say a prayer for the souls of those who lost their lives. We are all affected by this tragedy,” it concluded.
As Ghanaians across all sectors and walks of life continue to reflect on this devastating incident, President Mahama’s declaration of a three-day national mourning period has been observed with flags flown at half-mast and solemn ceremonies held nationwide. The eight fallen servants of the state are being remembered not only for their official roles but also for their selflessness, patriotism, and enduring commitment to national service.
