Ghana in Mourning as Defence, Environment Ministers Die in Military Helicopter Crash
National tragedy unfolds as eight lives, including top government officials, are lost in a fiery crash en route to a mining programme in Obuasi.
Ghana is in mourning following the death of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday morning.
The fatal incident occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, where a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Z-9 helicopter carrying five passengers and three crew members crashed en route to Obuasi. The delegation was heading to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the aircraft departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. local time but lost contact with radar shortly after takeoff. Emergency responders later located the smouldering wreckage deep within a forested area, confirming all eight onboard had perished in the crash.
Speaking at a press conference at Jubilee House, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as a “national tragedy” and extended condolences from President John Dramani Mahama and the government to the victims’ families. All national flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast until further notice.
Among the deceased were:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Defence Minister since February 2025, a medical doctor and former Communications Minister.
- Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment and former MP for Tamale Central.
- Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Food and Agriculture.
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister.
- Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East.
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, who made up the GAF flight crew.
Eyewitnesses near the crash site described a horrific scene, with the helicopter engulfed in flames upon impact. Local broadcaster Joy News aired graphic footage showing the charred remains of the aircraft.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who had been waiting at the event site in Obuasi, rushed to the scene upon hearing of the crash.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. While the exact reason remains unknown, officials confirmed this was the second military helicopter incident in less than two years — the last occurring in March 2024 near Bonsukrom, though without casualties.
Dr. Omane Boamah, known for his work in cybersecurity and child online protection, was a respected public servant. His colleague, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, had long championed environmental causes and remained a strong political voice in the region.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu disclosed that President Mahama was “emotionally shaken” by the news, adding that delegations have been dispatched to the families of the deceased. The government has pledged full support to the bereaved during the national mourning period.
Further details are expected as investigations progress.
