President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to President John Mahama and people of Ghana over a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two ministers.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the crash, which occurred Wednesday in Ghana’s southern Ashanti region, killed all on board, among them Defence Minister Edward Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Muhammed.
Tinubu assures President Mahama and all Ghanaian that the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Nigeria are with them during the time of profound national loss.
The President urged the Ghanaian nation and the bereaved families to find comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones died in the line of patriotic service to the country.
“He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and strength for those they left behind.”
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Credible News reported earlier that a Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 military helicopter carrying eight people vanished from radar just minutes after take-off from Accra on the morning on Wednesday.
The aircraft was headed north to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region before crashing in a wooded area near Adansi Sikaman, carrying the Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Also, on board were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the NDC, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, a former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye as well as crew members namely Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum‑Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
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.
