08/06/2025
Sad news from Ghana🇬🇭🥲. R.I.P to them.
A Ghana 🇬🇭 Air Force Z-9 military helicopter crashed this morning, it was departing Accra at approximately 9:12 a.m. (local time), bound for Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The aircraft lost radar contact soon after takeoff and was later found crashed in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve, near Adansi Akrofuom (also referred to as Sikaman) .
All eight individuals on board were confirmed dead. Among them were:
~Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister of Ghana
~Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science & Technology
~Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed
~Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC party
~Samuel Aboagye, former Obuasi East NDC parliamentary candidate
The crew: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah .
The crash has been described by Ghana's government as a national tragedy, with flags flown at half-staff and official condolences issued.
An investigation has already been launched to determine the cause, including assessments of maintenance records, flight data, and possible weather or procedural factors .
The ministers and officials were reportedly en route to inspect operations and address illegal mining activities in the Ashanti region when the helicopter went missing .
State and local media, including JoyOnline and Graphic Online, provided real-time updates, eyewitness footage, and identified all victims. At least four bodies were found severely burned, complicating identification at the early stage of the investigation .
The Ghana Armed Forces has convened a technical investigation team, including aviation safety experts and independent assessors, to piece together the cause of the crash .
Officials and civilians alike have extended condolences. President John Mahama’s administration canceled all scheduled engagements in the wake of the tragedy, and national mourning protocols have been enacted.
©: GREAT AFRICA ✍🏿
