In a devastating blow to Ghana’s leadership and its armed forces, a Z-9 military helicopter operated by the Ghana Air Force crashed on the morning of August 6, 2025, shortly after departing Accra at approximately 9:12 a.m. local time.
The aircraft, en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, lost radar contact soon after takeoff and was later discovered in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve near Adansi Akrofuom, also known as Sikaman.
The wreckage, found amidst dense forest terrain, bore witness to a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of all eight individuals on board, plunging the nation into mourning.
Victims of the Tragedy
The crash claimed the lives of several high-profile government officials, military personnel, and political figures, marking it as one of the most significant losses of leadership in Ghana’s recent history. Among the deceased were:
- Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Defence Minister, a key figure in national security and military reform.
- Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, known for his advocacy in combating illegal mining and promoting sustainable development.
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, instrumental in coordinating intelligence and security operations.
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, a respected political strategist.
- Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, recognized for his grassroots mobilization efforts.
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, the skilled crew members who operated the ill-fated helicopter.
The loss of these individuals, described by the Presidency as a “national tragedy,” has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s political, military, and civilian spheres.
At least four of the bodies were reported to be severely burned, complicating early identification efforts and adding to the somber mood surrounding the recovery process.
A Mission to Combat Illegal Mining
The delegation was en route to the Ashanti Region, a hub of Ghana’s gold mining industry, to inspect operations and address the pervasive issue of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
This practice has long been a source of environmental degradation, economic disruption, and social tension in the region.
The ministers and officials were expected to engage with local stakeholders and assess measures to curb the destructive impact of unregulated mining activities. The tragic loss of these key figures has raised questions about the continuity of these critical initiatives.
National Response and Mourning
President John Mahama’s administration swiftly declared a period of national mourning, with flags across the country lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen. All scheduled government engagements were canceled as the nation grappled with the magnitude of the loss.
In an official statement, the Presidency expressed profound condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway to uncover the cause of the crash.
“Ghana has lost dedicated servants of the state, whose contributions to our nation’s security, environment, and political stability were invaluable,” the statement read. “We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones during this time of immense grief.”
Investigation Underway
The Ghana Armed Forces has mobilized a technical investigation team, comprising aviation safety experts, military personnel, and independent assessors, to determine the cause of the crash.
Preliminary reports suggest that the helicopter lost radar contact shortly after takeoff, raising questions about potential mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors. The investigation will scrutinize the aircraft’s maintenance records, flight data, and weather conditions at the time of the incident.
Eyewitness accounts from the Dampia Range Forest Reserve, coupled with footage shared by local media outlets such as JoyOnline and Graphic Online, are also being analyzed to piece together the sequence of events.
The Z-9 helicopter, a versatile military aircraft, has been a mainstay in Ghana’s Air Force operations, used for transport, reconnaissance, and disaster response.
While the aircraft has a strong safety record, investigators are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to identify the factors that led to this catastrophic failure.
A Nation in Shock
The crash has reverberated across Ghana, with citizens and leaders alike expressing their grief and shock.
Social media platforms, including X, have been flooded with tributes to the fallen officials and crew, with many Ghanaians describing the incident as a profound loss to the nation’s leadership and progress.
Local media outlets have provided real-time updates, broadcasting images of the crash site and interviews with eyewitnesses who described hearing a loud explosion followed by plumes of smoke rising from the forest.
The tragedy has also sparked discussions about the safety of military aviation in Ghana and the need for stringent oversight of aircraft maintenance and operations.
As the nation mourns, calls for transparency in the investigation process have grown louder, with citizens demanding answers about the circumstances that led to the crash.
A Legacy of Service
The victims of the crash were individuals of immense dedication, whose contributions shaped Ghana’s political and environmental landscape.
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah was a stalwart in strengthening Ghana’s defense capabilities, while Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed championed policies to protect the environment from the ravages of illegal mining.
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed’s work in national security and Dr. Samuel Sarpong’s leadership within the NDC underscored their commitment to public service.
Samuel Aboagye, a rising political figure, was seen as a beacon of hope for his community, while the crew members exemplified the bravery and professionalism of Ghana’s armed forces.
Moving Forward
As Ghana navigates this period of grief, the government has pledged to support the families of the victims and ensure that their legacies endure.
The investigation into the crash is expected to yield critical insights that could prevent future tragedies, while the nation reflects on the sacrifices made by its leaders and service members.
This catastrophic event serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by those in public service, particularly in challenging missions aimed at addressing pressing national issues like illegal mining.
The loss of these eight individuals will undoubtedly leave a void, but their contributions to Ghana’s progress will not be forgotten.
For further updates on the investigation and official statements, visit the Ghana Armed Forces’ website or follow trusted media outlets such as JoyOnline and Graphic Online. The nation stands united in mourning, honoring the memory of those lost in this tragic accident.
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