According to Ghana’s government, a military helicopter crash earlier today claimed the lives of eight people, including the country’s sitting Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, and Environment, Science and Technology Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
The incident occurred after a Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 utility helicopter departed Accra around 09:12 a.m. local time, bound for Obuasi in the Ashanti region, before suddenly losing radar contact. The crash site has been identified in Adansi Akrofuom District, roughly 270 km northwest of Accra.
A total of eight individuals were onboard: five passengers, including the two ministers, a deputy national security coordinator and former agriculture minister (Muniru Mohammed), Samuel Sarpong (vice-chair of the National Democratic Congress), plus three air force crew members.
Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to President John Mahama, described the crash as a "national tragedy" and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officials and servicemen.
The presidency announced that all national flags will be flown at half‑staff and that all official presidential engagements scheduled for today have been canceled.
Sam George, the Communications Minister, urged the public to show empathy and restraint—requesting that sensitive videos of the incident not be circulated
Edward Omane Boamah had been Defence Minister since February 2025, previously serving as Communications Minister (2013–2017) and in other ministerial roles.
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, born in December 1974, had served as Minister of Environment, Science & Technology since February 2025 and was also MP for Tamale Central.
This incident ranks among the deadliest air disasters in Ghana in over a decade, recalling previous crashes in 2012 and 2014
What We Know—and Don’t
Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | August 6, 2025, approx. 09:12 a.m. local |
| Route | Departed Accra → Obuasi, Ashanti Region |
| Aircraft | Ghana Air Force Z‑9 utility helicopter |
| Total Onboard | 8 (3 crew + 5 passengers) |
| Key Victims | Defence Minister, Environment Minister |
| Additional Victims | NDC Vice-chair, National Security adviser, crew |
| Government Reaction | Nationwide mourning; flags at half-staff |
| Cause | Under investigation |
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