A Helicopter Crash has led to the death of Dr Omane Boamah the Defense minister, Honorable Murtala Muhammad and 6 others.

A distressing piece of news circulated yesterday, August 6th, about a missing national helicopter. The helicopter, a Z-9 aircraft of the Ghana Armed Forces, was headed to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme when it lost contact shortly after takeoff from Accra . After several attempts to locate the helicopter, in a brief statement, the Ghana Air Force stated that a helicopter Z-9 has gone off the radar. The aircraft as earlier stated was en route to Obuasi for a National assignment when contact was lost. It had 3 crew and 5 Members.

News quickly circulated, and Mr Charles Debrah , the chief of staff, addressed the press by sharing “I have the unpleasant duty sadly to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter this morning around the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region. The government regrets to announce the demise of the following persons;

Government Ministers
– Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
– Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology

Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

Other Officials and Military Personnel

Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

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

Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate

Military Crew Members

Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala

Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu

As the wave of sadness swept across the nation, the nation became deeply devastated by the crash that claimed the lives of these distinguished public servants and gallant Air Force personnel. The government and its officials extended sympathy to the families of the victims alongside flooding tributes from all over the world.

EYE WITNESSES ACCOUNT

According to one eye witness, he was on the farm when he noticed a plane passing very low over them on the farm with a loud noise. It was alarming because it was unusual to see a plane that low to the ground level. Five minutes into his contemplating, he heard a thudding sound in the forest some kilometers from him. He sped off to the scene only to meet the aircraft on flames with burnt mortal remains. Another account from Mr. Kwabena Musa, NDC chairman and farmer, recounted that around 10:00 am. to 11 am. in the morning, a crash occurred, similar reports from the community members all sum up to the low flying helicopter which was unusual and alarming.

It was later reported that ,The Ashante Minister , The Military Men , The Ghana Fire Service , Some dignitaries and some community members arrived at the scene, some hours later. The team successfully transported the mortal remains from the crash site in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region to The Air Force Base in Accra where they were received by Government officials and loved ones with full military honors, and later deposited at the 37 Military Hospital.

FINAL RITES AND ACTION UPDATES

On the 7th of August , as a line up of events in their memory there was a Flower Laying Ceremony where wreaths and flowers presentations were presented in honor of them at the Jubilee House.

The grief has unified the nation , Ghanaians and its dignitaries broke down as the bodies of these nationals were airlifted in A Dzata Private Jet from Kotoka International Airport to South Africa for DNA analysis. According to Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, it was to aid in proper identification of the deceased ahead of state-sanctioned burial ceremonies. This decision was to ensure accuracy through internationally accurate forensic protocols. The activity is supervised by the Head of Forensic Analysis at the CID.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

Later hours of August 7th 2025 at 9:00pm .The President, his excellency John Dramani Mahama officially addressed the nation briefly.

“I shared a bond with many of those who died. Our nation is grieving,” he said. He added “This loss is our loss” !. He also reminded us of how these people served the nation with distinction and called on Ghanaians to remember we are all Ghanaians and this is not a time for political scores but rather to Let our words be of comfort. As a nation we are unified in grief, respect their sacrifices , set aside differences in this time of empathy.
The President stated that there will be an interdenominational memorial service held on Saturday 9th August 2025 at 5:00pm for our fallen heroes and a State Burial on August 15th 2025 at the Black Stars Square . In view of the these all his official engagements have been postponed.

Until their final burial rites, A Book of Reflections will be opened from 10th to August 14th across the various offices where the deceased served.

INVESTIGATION

As a sense of urgency , Ghanaians pleaded with authority to investigate the issues that resulted in the tragedy.
Dr Frank Amoakohene, The Ashanti Regional Minister has confirmed the discovery of the black box from the crashed Z-9 helicopter. From a Facebook post, the minister announced that the black box was crucial for making findings into the cause of the crash of the helicopter. According to him it has been found and is currently in custody of the relevant authorities to assist investigations . This was also confirmed by the President during his national address, and assured Ghanaians on the enquiry set up for investigations.

In response to the National tragedy, the president declared a three-day national mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast nationwide.

We at Akostik Media would like to add our voices to the National plea to all Ghanaians to show empathy and refrain from sharing these videos of the accident scene as it can be traumatic for their loved ones. We stand in solemn solidarity with the bereaved families and friends , The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the entire nation in this difficult time. We take consolation in the fiber of unity, strength and selfless example demonstrated by these patriotic heroes who died in service to our Country Ghana.

This is an ultimate sacrifice to end galamsey.

May They Rest Well.

DN Fafa

Akostik Media.