Tragedy in the Skies: Ghana Loses Two Ministers, Senior Officials in Military Helicopter Crash

By Mavis Emefa Goka / August 6, 2025

Ghana is in mourning following the deaths of eight people, including two senior government ministers, in a tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday August 6,2025.They were going to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi. 
The accident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, marks one of the country’s worst air disasters in recent memory.
The Z-9EH military helicopter, operated by the Ghana Air Force, was en route from Accra to Obuasi when it vanished from radar around 9:30 AM. It was later discovered in a remote forest area near Asarekrom, with no survivors. 

 National Leaders Lost 

Among the victims were two prominent cabinet members:

Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence, was appointed earlier this year and had been leading efforts to modernize the country’s military and strengthen security partnerships in the subregion. A medical doctor and communications expert by training, he previously served as Minister for Communications and Presidential Spokesperson under President John Mahama.

Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, was also killed. A former MP for Tamale Central, he had returned to government in 2025 with a focus on environmental reform and combating illegal mining. He was widely respected for his outspokenness and commitment to sustainable development.

 Also on board were: 

Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister.

Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Agriculture.

Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a known political strategist and former parliamentary candidate for the NDC.

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot of the helicopter.

Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, both crew members of the Ghana Air Force.

The Office of the President has directed that all flags fly at half-mast across the country for seven days. Plans are being made for a state funeral, with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum and international partners.

A committee has been established to coordinate burial arrangements, and psychological support is being offered to families of the deceased. Parliament is expected to hold a special memorial session in the coming days.

The tragedy is a reminder of the risks borne by public servants and service members, even in times of peace, and has united the nation in collective grief.