Ghana Mourns After Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Two Ministers and Six Others.
Accra:
Ghana has plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
The Z9 military helicopter, carrying three crew and five passengers, crashed into a dense forest en route from Accra to Obuasi, where the officials were scheduled to attend an anti-illegal mining event. All eight aboard perished, in what Chief of Staff Julius Debrah called a “national tragedy.”
The bodies were retrieved from the wreckage and flown to Accra in coffins draped in the national flag. A solemn ceremony was held at the Air Force Base to receive them. Burial plans for Muslim victims have been delayed pending full identification.
The deceased also include Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and crew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but eyewitnesses reported bad weather and heavy fog. One local farmer described the helicopter flying unusually low, followed by an explosion. Ghana’s meteorological agency had recently forecast unseasonably cold and foggy conditions.
This marks the most deadly air incident involving the Ghana Air Force in recent years, following emergency landings in 2020 and 2024.
President John Dramani Mahama declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday and suspended all official engagements. Flags across the country are flying at half-mast.
Tributes are pouring in for Boamah and Muhammed, both influential figures. Boamah had served in multiple cabinet roles and was working to counter rising jihadist threats near the Burkina Faso border. His upcoming book A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy was set to publish later this year.
Muhammed was a vocal advocate against illegal gold mining, known locally as Galamsey, which has devastated the environment and water sources.
The nation remains in shock, with many still struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss. Images of the helicopter’s charred remains have circulated widely on social media.
President Mahama expressed deep sorrow, with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu stating the president was “emotionally down.” The country now looks to honour the fallen as investigations continue.
