Mortal Remains of Eight Victims of GAF Helicopter Crash Arrive in Accra Amid National Mourning
The mortal remains of the eight individuals killed in the tragic Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, on August 6, 2025, arrived in Accra on Wednesday evening.
The caskets, draped in the national flag, were received at Burma Camp with a full military ceremony before being transported to a mortuary for storage, as the nation grapples with the profound loss.
The victims, confirmed by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, include:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – MP 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
Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot, Takoradi Air Force Base
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampedu – Co-pilot, Takoradi Air Force Base
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Flight Technician, Takoradi Air Force Base
The helicopter, en route from Accra to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), lost radar contact at 09:12 GMT and crashed into a tree, bursting into flames. Debrah, alongside senior government officials, received the caskets and expressed condolences, stating, “The President and the government extend our sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country.”
Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday, August 7, 2025, with all national flags ordered to fly at half-mast until further notice. The announcement follows President John Dramani Mahama’s suspension of all scheduled official activities in response to the tragedy. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also issued statements of condolence, with Akufo-Addo noting, “The entire nation is profoundly shocked and saddened.”
The Ghana Armed Forces continues to investigate the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports citing possible adverse weather conditions. The Western Region, home to the three crew members from Takoradi Air Force Base, is particularly devastated, with Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson leading condolence visits to the families.
As Ghana mourns, tributes continue to pour in, and the nation awaits further details from ongoing investigations into this national tragedy.
