Ghana Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among eight people killed Wednesday when a military helicopter crashed shortly after departing from Accra en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti region.
A Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 military helicopter carrying eight people vanished from radar just minutes after take-off from Accra on the morning of 6 August 2025. The aircraft was headed north to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region before crashing in a wooded area near Adansi Sikaman.
Onboard were:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Senior crew members including Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum‑Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah all perished.
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Ghana’s presidency has declared the event a “national tragedy” and ordered flags to be flown at half‑mast. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, expressed deep condolences to bereaved families and affirmed that investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
Edward Omane Boamah, appointed Defence Minister in February 2025 under President John Mahama, had a distinguished history in government and medicine, including roles as Communications Minister and Presidential Spokesperson. Ibrahim Muhammed served as Environment Minister and represented Tamale Central in Parliament, with previous service as Deputy Trade and Industry Minister.
This helicopter crash is among Ghana’s worst air disasters in over a decade. Earlier notable incidents include the May 2014 service helicopter crash and a 2021 cargo plane accident involving civilian deaths in Accra.
Ghana has entered a period of national mourning as citizens and political figures pay tribute to the fallen leadership and await clarity on the circumstances leading to the devastating crash.
GISTMATE
