Ghana Mourns as Eight Killed in Military Helicopter Crash in Ashanti Region

The Government of Ghana has confirmed the deaths of eight individuals in a tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

Among the deceased are two high-ranking government officials—Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the incident at a press conference, directing that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims. He extended the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and the nation. Other victims include:

• Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament

• Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The aircraft’s crew members who perished were:

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

• Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

  

The deceased were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi on a national assignment when the aircraft lost contact with radar shortly after takeoff. Emergency response teams were quickly deployed to the crash site. Graphic images from the scene revealed extensive wreckage and charred remains.

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who had been attending the scheduled event in Obuasi, immediately left the programme upon receiving news of the crash and proceeded to the site.

In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that recovery and assessment operations are underway. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and a full investigation is ongoing.

This marks Ghana’s second military helicopter incident in just over a year, following a crash on March 19, 2024, near Bonsukrom in the Western Region, which fortunately resulted in no fatalities.