By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Ghana has been plunged into mourning following a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of eight people, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Muhammed on Wednesday August 6, 2025.

The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the Z-9 military helicopter departed Accra at about 9:00 a.m. GMT bound for Obuasi but lost radar contact en route. The wreckage was discovered near Adansi, with no survivors among the three crew members and five passengers.

Also killed in the crash were Alhaji Muniru Limuna, acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister; Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC); and Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate.

President John Mahama, describing the tragedy as “a great national loss,” ordered flags to fly at half-mast nationwide and suspended his official engagements for the day. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” Chief of Staff Julius Debrah said in a statement.

The late Defence Minister Boamah, a former Communications Minister and presidential spokesperson, was appointed in February 2025 and had been steering Ghana’s defence policy amid growing regional security concerns. Environment Minister Murtala Muhammed, also appointed in February, was a vocal advocate for sustainable development and environmental reforms.

Ghana has so far avoided direct attacks from Sahel-based armed groups operating in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, but the government has remained vigilant over potential cross-border threats. The crash has raised fresh concerns about the safety and maintenance of military aircraft.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, but no preliminary findings have been released. The sudden deaths of the two ministers leave critical vacancies in President Mahama’s cabinet, posing immediate challenges to governance at a time of heightened regional security risks.

Full List of Persons Onboard Crashed Military Helicopter — All Confirmed Dead:

- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence

- Dr. Alhaji Murtala Muhammed – MP for Tamale Central, Minister for Environment, Science & Technology

- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

- Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the NDC

- Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate

- Sqn. Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

- Flying Officer, Twum Ampadu

- Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah

Ghana mourns a national tragedy. All flags are to be flown at half-mast. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/eight-die-in-ghana-military-helicopter-crash-including-two-cabinet-ministers/