Tragic helicopter crash claims lives of top government officials and military personnel

A devastating helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region has claimed the lives of several high-ranking government officials and military personnel, including the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the tragic incident in a sombre announcement at the Jubilee House earlier today.  

Details of the crash

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter, a Z9 model, took off from Accra at 09:12 hours en route to Obuasi, where the officials were scheduled to attend the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP). 

Reports indicate that the aircraft, carrying three crew members and five passengers, lost contact with radar shortly after takeoff. 

Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene, with the helicopter bursting into flames upon impact in the Adansi Akrofuom area.  

Victims of the tragedy

The crash claimed the lives of the following individuals:  

1. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence  
2. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central  
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator  
4. Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)  5.  Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate  
6.  Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot  
7.  Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Co-pilot  
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Crew member  

The Ghana Armed Forces issued a statement confirming the incident and expressing deep regret over the loss of lives. 

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as a "national tragedy" and called for flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.