The government has confirmed the deaths of eight individuals in a tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. Among those who lost their lives were Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the news at a press conference, directing that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased. He expressed the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and the nation at large.
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Other victims included:
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Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
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Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament
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Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
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Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
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Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu
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Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
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The group was travelling aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 military helicopter to Obuasi on a national assignment when the aircraft went off radar shortly after departing from Accra. The helicopter later crashed in a forested area and was found burnt beyond recognition.
Emergency response teams were swiftly deployed to the crash site. Harrowing images from the scene revealed the charred remains of several victims. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was already in Obuasi for the scheduled event, left midway upon learning of the crash to visit the site.
In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that recovery operations were underway and that the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
This incident comes just over a year after another military helicopter crash on March 19, 2024, near Bonsukrom in the Western Region, which fortunately resulted in no casualties.
The deceased officials were en route to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
President John Mahama was also scheduled to attend the Obuasi event but cancelled his trip due to other engagements. The rCOMSDEP initiative seeks to streamline ASM by forming regulated, community-owned cooperatives, offering professional training, legal concessions, and access to modern gold recovery and water treatment technologies.
The nation mourns the loss of these public servants, as investigations into the crash continue.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem