Ghana is reeling from a tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of several high-ranking government officials and military personnel.

Among the deceased are Minister for Defence Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Their sudden deaths have plunged the nation into mourning.

Also confirmed dead are Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Announcing the tragedy at a press briefing, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the crash as a national disaster, stating that all national flags will be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims until further notice.

Military personnel aboard the aircraft included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, who also perished in the crash.

According to preliminary reports, the victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft went off radar. The helicopter reportedly lost contact shortly after takeoff.

Emergency responders were dispatched immediately to the crash site. Graphic footage and images obtained by Citi News showed the charred remains of passengers at the scene.

However, officials have indicated that a full list of casualties will be released after families are formally notified.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining (galamsey) programme at the time of the incident, reportedly left the event abruptly upon receiving the devastating news.

In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the crash and said efforts are underway to recover and examine the wreckage. The cause of the incident remains unknown as investigations continue.

This tragic accident comes just over a year after a similar incident on March 19, 2024, when a military helicopter crash-landed near Bonsukrom in the Western Region. Thankfully, that earlier accident resulted in no fatalities.

The government has pledged to provide timely updates as the situation develops and further details are confirmed.

Press briefing from the Presidency

🚨 Dr. Omane Boamah & Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed Confirmed Dead in Military Helicopter Crash.

Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed have tragically lost their lives in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash en route to Obuasi.… pic.twitter.com/nKkIeLIDUO

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) August 6, 2025