By ABDULLAH 
Accra, Ghana – August 6, 2025
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across Ghana and the wider West African region, eight people, including two senior government ministers, have died following the Armed Forces Ghana helicopter crash in the Ashanti region on Wednesday morning.
According to official statements, the Z-9 military helicopter took off from Accra at 09:12 GMT, heading toward Obuasi, where the officials were scheduled to attend an event focused on illegal mining control efforts.
Shortly after departure, the aircraft went off radar, triggering a search operation. Hours later, wreckage was discovered, and all eight individuals aboard were confirmed dead, including three crew members and five passengers.
Among the deceased were:
- Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister of Defence
- Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
This loss is being described as a “national tragedy” by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who conveyed condolences on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian government.
President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, suspended all scheduled public engagements, and ordered flags across the country to fly at half-mast.
Other high-profile figures who perished include:
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator & former Minister of Agriculture
- Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all part of the helicopter crew
A medical doctor by training, Boamah held several positions including Communications Minister and Deputy Environment Minister during Mahama’s earlier tenure. As Defence Minister, he was leading Ghana’s efforts against increasing jihadist threats from Burkina Faso, where extremist groups have been expanding operations near Ghana’s porous northern borders.
Boamah was also preparing to publish a book titled “A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy”, honoring the late President John Atta Mills.
Muhammed had been at the forefront of Ghana’s fight against illegal gold mining, locally known as “Galamsey”. This controversial practice has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s ecosystems, contaminating rivers and destroying forest cover. His activism made him a significant voice in environmental reform.
The cause of the crash has not yet been officially determined. Ghana’s Armed Forces have launched a full-scale investigation, and aviation experts are analyzing the helicopter’s maintenance history, flight data, and possible external threats.
Boamah’s role in diplomatic negotiations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—countries currently under military rule and outside the ECOWAS bloc—was considered vital to Ghana’s security posture. His untimely death has raised concerns about a leadership vacuum in regional security coordination.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu described President Mahama as “deeply emotional” following the tragic news. Condolences have poured in from regional leaders and diplomatic circles around the globe, expressing solidarity with Ghana during this difficult time.
As the nation observes mourning, the global community watches closely for updates on the investigation and the next steps in Ghana’s leadership response.