Early on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Z‑9 helicopter carrying eight individuals departed Accra at 9:12 a.m., destined for Obuasi in the Ashanti Region. Within minutes, radar contact was lost, prompting urgent search and rescue efforts by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The military confirmed that the aircraft had three crew members and five passengers, though mission details and passenger identities were initially withheld. Local eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter crash into a tree near Adansi Akrofuom, before bursting into flames—a scene described as horrific, with multiple charred remains visible at the site. At least four victims could not be identified due to the severity of the burn injuries.
Later in the day, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, speaking from the Jubilee House, confirmed that all eight people on board had died. Among the victims were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, alongside other senior officials and crew including Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The loss of two senior ministers and high-ranking officials has plunged the nation into mourning. Flags are expected to be flown at half‑mast nationwide in honor of the deceased. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, preliminary speculation has pointed to possibilities such as adverse weather conditions or mechanical failure
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