The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that an inter-agency investigation is currently underway to uncover the cause of the military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two Cabinet Ministers, in the Ashanti Region.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Also on board were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong.
The Ghana Air Force personnel who perished have been identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Speaking about the tragedy, GNFS Head of Public Relations, Desmond Ackah, emphasized the complexity of the situation and confirmed the GNFS was working closely with other security bodies to determine what went wrong.
“For crashes of this nature, it does not just warrant the response of the GNFS alone. A lot of factors are involved. We do interagency response, and we are heavily involved, especially with rescue, extrication, and any fire hazards”
DO II Desmond Ackah, GNFS Head of PR
Preliminary reports indicate the victims were flying in a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft lost radar contact. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately to the crash site, where charred wreckage and bodies were later retrieved.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining event nearby, abandoned his schedule and rushed to the scene upon hearing the news.
President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all official activities for the rest of the week to mourn the tragic loss of lives. The presidency has also directed that all national flags fly at half-mast until further notice.
A statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, announced a period of mourning beginning Thursday, August 7.
According to the Chief of Staff, these directives are part of national efforts to honour the memory of the deceased and recognise their service to the Republic.
Religious Leaders Grieve
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has expressed deep sorrow over the crash and extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the nation at large.
Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the GCBC, said the Church stands in prayerful solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
“When the news was broken to us, everybody was shocked, and we could not believe it. So, we said a prayer for them and committed them into the hands of their Maker and Creator.
“We send our condolences to the President, their families, Parliament, and the nation. We ask all Ghanaians to also say a prayer for them. To lose such bright minds all at the same time is a shock”
Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the GCBC
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) also issued a statement expressing grief and calling on the country to support the bereaved.
“The Council extends its condolences to the families of the deceased, President John Dramani Mahama, the Government, and the entire nation,” the GPCC said.
The deceased were en route to the official launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme when the crash occurred. The tragedy has drawn messages of sympathy from political, religious, and civil society leaders, underscoring the scale of the national loss.
Flags continue to fly at half-mast as the country awaits official findings from the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, the memory of those lost is being honoured by the government and religious institutions, as Ghanaians collectively mourn and reflect on the tragic incident.
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