BREAKING NEWS: Dr. Omane Boamah, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others confirmed dead in Adansi helicopter crash

A devastating military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, has claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two prominent government ministers.

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, have been confirmed dead following the tragic incident.

Also among the deceased are Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The three-member crew onboard the ill-fated Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also lost their lives.

According to initial reports, the helicopter was en route from Accra to Obuasi when it suddenly went off radar shortly after takeoff.

Emergency teams were dispatched to the crash site, where graphic images and footage obtained by Citi News revealed the charred remains of several victims.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining programme nearby, rushed to the crash site upon receiving the news.

In a statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that search and recovery operations were ongoing and that investigations were underway to determine the cause of the crash.

This incident comes just over a year after a similar helicopter mishap in March 2024, which, fortunately, resulted in no fatalities.

The nation is in mourning as tributes pour in for the fallen leaders and service members who perished in the line of duty.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith