On the morning of August 6, 2025, Ghana was shaken by the tragic loss of several national figures when a military helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region. Among those confirmed dead were the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The two ministers, along with six others, perished when the Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 helicopter they were travelling in disappeared from radar shortly after take‑off from Accra and crashed en route to Obuasi
The helicopter carried eight people: three crew members and five passengers, including the two ministers, Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye. Eyewitnesses and emergency crews described a harrowing scene: the aircraft caught fire and was destroyed, with remains charred beyond recognition. No survivors were found at the site, which now lies under investigation.
The gravity of this loss prompted a statement from Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who confirmed the deaths during a press briefing and announced that national flags would fly at half‑mast in their honour. He conveyed deep condolences on behalf of the President and government to the bereaved families and the nation. The crash is being treated as a major national tragedy requiring an urgent inquiry into its cause.
Reuters reported that both ministers were officially confirmed dead by a government spokesperson, noting that the helicopter had vanished from radar with no further communication, prompting an immediate search and rescue response. Citi Newsroom further detailed that the helicopter lost contact shortly after take‑off from Accra around 9:12 a.m., with the wreckage later discovered at Adansi Brofeyedu. Preliminary findings suggest the craft may have collided with a tree before bursting into flames, though the exact cause remains undetermined.
This is not Ghana’s first recent aircraft incident. In March 2024, a military plane crash-landed near Bonsukrom in the Western Region—fortunately with no fatalities. The latest tragedy, however, leaves no room for relief and raises critical questions about aviation safety and maintenance within the armed forces.
Beyond the personal losses, this incident erodes public confidence in national security infrastructure and risk management protocols. When top officials—including the Defence Minister and Environment Minister, lose their lives in such circumstances, it shakes the nation’s sense of institutional reliability.
Moving forward, the government is expected to carry out a transparent and thorough investigation. Families of the bereaved must receive swift communication and support, alongside dignified state funerals. The public deserves clarity on whether procedural lapses, poor maintenance, or flight decision errors contributed to the tragedy. Crucial too is accountability for any systemic failures that allowed this incident to occur.
For Ghanaians, the deaths of Omane Boamah and Murtala Mohammed are a deep blow—not just to their ministries, but to the soul of national leadership. Omane Boamah, who had served as Defence Minister since February 2025 after a distinguished political and medical career, and Murtala Mohammed, whose stewardship in environment and technology was vital to national development, now join the ranks of national heroes who paid the ultimate price in service. Their passing invites reflection on the cost of public service and the protection due to those serving at the highest levels.
As investigations commence, the nation watches in mourning and expectation. Ghana must emerge stronger, with lessons firmly learned and meaningful reforms enacted to ensure no life is needlessly lost in the service of the country again.
