In somber recollection of the hardworking public personnel who sadly perished in the recent plane tragedy in Ghana’s Ashanti region, we drop our heads and raise our hearts today. Your sudden death has left a profound mark on our country, causing sadness that time may never completely overcome and a gap that words cannot cover.
These were leaders with a mission—men who sacrificed their lives for our nation. You were more than just representatives; you were visionaries, patriots, and defenders of the common good. Your presence was felt, your work had an impact, and your passion was evident whether you were serving in the government’s ministries, the parliament’s hallways, or the hearts of the people you served.
You achieved great heights because of your dedication to duty, and you gave your life in response to that call. In addition to the loss of life, our country laments the loss of potential—the incomplete projects, the unfulfilled goals, and the leadership that now reverberates in memory.
We offer our sincere condolences to their families, coworkers, and everyone who loved them. May you find solace in the love of a thankful country, courage in their legacy, and pride in their service.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles they upheld—service, solidarity, and a brighter future for everybody—as we commemorate their memory. Even if their light has faded, their dedication’s flame still burns brightly in the hearts of those who remain.
May their souls rest in perfect peace!!!
The Complete Story of the National Tragedy
Eight people, including two top government ministers, were killed in a horrific military helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti Region’s Adansi Akrofuom District. The incident has been called a “national tragedy.” On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Z-9 helicopter was traveling from Accra to Obuasi when it lost radar contact and crashed, apparently exploding in flames as it hit the ground.
Among the victims were Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Other casualties included Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; and three military personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Z-9 helicopter, a Chinese-made naval platform known for its versatility, took off from Accra at 09:12 a.m. local time, carrying three crew members and five passengers. The group was traveling to Obuasi to attend the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an initiative aimed at addressing illegal mining in the region.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the helicopter lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. Eyewitnesses reported a horrific scene, with the aircraft crashing into a wooded area near Adansi Brofeyedu and catching fire. Preliminary reports suggest the helicopter may have collided with trees, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, confirmed that all eight bodies were retrieved from the crash site, which was described as “burnt beyond recognition.” Emergency response teams were dispatched immediately after the loss of radar contact, but no survivors were found.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was a seasoned politician and medical professional. He served in various ministerial roles, including Deputy Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology (2009–2012), Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports (2012–2013), Minister for Communications, and, most recently, Minister for Defence in 2025.
As Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, he played a pivotal role in the party’s 2024 electoral victory. Known for his expertise in health policy, environmental security, and cybersecurity, Dr. Omane Boamah was widely respected for his solution-driven leadership.
He also contributed to humanitarian efforts, including WHO-led immunization monitoring in 2004 and rescue operations during Ghana’s 2001 May 9 Stadium Disaster. His book, A Peaceful Man In An African Democracy, about former President John Atta Mills, was set to be published later in 2025.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed:
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, was a distinguished educator and politician. Appointed to his ministerial role on February 10, 2025, he championed local innovation for import substitution and forged international partnerships, notably with the United Kingdom, on ecological research. A strong advocate for inclusive environmental governance, he worked to increase women’s participation in climate-related initiatives. His brief tenure was marked by a commitment to sustainable development, leaving a significant void in Ghana’s environmental sector.
Other Key Figures:
The other victims included key figures in government and the NDC, as well as dedicated military personnel. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, a former Minister for Food and Agriculture, served as Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator. Dr. Samuel Sarpong, a former Ashanti Regional Minister and NDC Vice Chairman, was a respected party leader. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate, was known for his contributions to the NDC’s grassroots efforts. The three military crew members—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—were commended for their service to the nation.
President John Dramani Mahama, who was originally scheduled to attend the Obuasi event but sent Dr. Omane Boamah in his place, was reported to be “emotionally devastated” by the tragedy, according to Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu. In a show of national mourning, President Mahama ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast in honor of the deceased. The government has pledged full support to the families of the victims during this difficult time.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament described the incident as “a blow to the soul of the nation,” while MP Sam George urged restraint and unity in the wake of the tragedy. Ghanaians across the country, referring to the day as “Black Wednesday,” have expressed their grief on social media and through public tributes. Posts on X reflected widespread shock and sorrow, with many honoring Dr. Omane Boamah’s legacy, including his act of covering an GH₵80,000 surgery for a young boy.
The Ghana Armed Forces, in a statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, confirmed the loss of contact with the Z-9 helicopter and noted that efforts were underway to assess the wreckage. The Z-9EH, a variant of the Chinese-licensed Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, is primarily used for military operations, including personnel transport.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, it is capable of cruising at 482 km/h and operating at high altitudes. The crash has raised urgent questions about military aviation safety and aircraft maintenance standards in Ghana, especially following a non-fatal military helicopter crash in Bonsukrom, Western Region, on March 19, 2024.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, and investigations are ongoing. Graphic images of the charred wreckage circulating on social media underscore the severity of the incident, though officials have not commented on their authenticity.
The loss of these prominent figures has sent shockwaves across Ghana, with tributes pouring in for their contributions to public service and national development. The government has assured the public that further details will be communicated as investigations progress and families are notified. As Ghana mourns, the legacies of Dr. Omane Boamah, Dr. Murtala Mohammed, and the other victims will endure through their impactful work and dedication to the nation.
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