Ghana is in deep mourning following the tragic death of eight prominent individuals, including two government ministers, in a fatal military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that all eight occupants aboard the ill-fated GAF Helicopter 79 (Model 29) perished in the crash, which occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from Accra at 0912hrs en route to Obuasi.
The confirmed deceased are:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye – NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Co-Pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Flight Engineer
According to military sources, the helicopter lost contact with radar shortly after take-off and was later found crashed and engulfed in flames in a remote forest area of Adansi Akrofuom. Emergency response teams who arrived at the scene confirmed that all bodies were burned beyond recognition.
A statement from the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Directorate, signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin (Ghana Navy), Acting Director General of Public Relations, expressed the military’s condolences to the bereaved families and assured the nation that a full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.
“This is an immense loss to our country,” the statement read. “We have lost patriots, leaders, and heroes who served Ghana with unwavering dedication and sacrifice.”
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has issued a press release and led national mourning in the press conference. Flags across the country are expected to fly at half-mast in honour of the fallen statesmen and officers.
“The President is depressed… The Vice President is leading a team to officially inform the families,” said Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, speaking following the tragic helicopter crash.
The crash is one of the deadliest military aviation disasters in Ghana’s recent history, and it has left a massive void in the country’s political, security, and military leadership.
The Office of the President has convened an emergency national security meeting, while the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and GAF’s Air Command have commenced investigations in collaboration with international aviation experts.
Ghanaians across the country are expressing shock and sorrow, with tributes pouring in on social media and at party offices. Memorial services are expected to be held nationwide in the coming days.
May their souls rest in perfect peace.
