Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region – August 6, 2025 – A tragic Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, claimed the lives of eight individuals, including high-ranking government officials and military personnel.
The aircraft, en route from Accra to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), went off radar shortly after takeoff at 09:12 GMT and crashed into a tree, bursting into flames.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the devastating loss during an emergency press conference at the Jubilee House, describing the incident as a “national tragedy.” He confirmed the identities of the deceased as follows:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Crew Member
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Crew Member
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Crew Member
In response to the tragedy, Debrah directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast to honor the deceased. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) continues to investigate the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting adverse weather conditions as a possible factor, though no official cause has been confirmed. Emergency response teams are assessing the wreckage, which eyewitnesses described as “burned beyond recognition.”
The nation mourns the loss of these distinguished individuals, and further updates are expected as investigations progress.
