Tragedy in Ashanti: Ministers Omane Boamah and Murtala Mohammed Die in Ghana Military Helicopter Crash

News desk Report 

Ghana is reeling from a tragic military aviation disaster after a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter carrying top government officials crashed near Adansi Brofoyedu in the Ashanti Region, killing all eight people on board — including two senior ministers of state.

The deceased include Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The two were reportedly en route to Obuasi on official duty aboard a Z-9 military helicopter when the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff from Accra around 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Eyewitnesses at the crash site described scenes of horror as the helicopter exploded in flames after crashing into a tree, with four bodies found burnt beyond recognition. Locals say they heard a loud thud before seeing thick smoke rise from the forested area.

Military officials have confirmed that three crew members and five passengers, including presidential aides and security officers, were aboard. No survivors have been found as of the time of filing this report.

“This is a dark day for our nation. We have lost two of our finest public servants,” a top presidential source disclosed, confirming that the Commander-in-Chief, President John Dramani Mahama, has been briefed and will address the nation soon.

Security personnel and emergency responders from the Ghana Armed Forces and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) cordoned off the area as investigations commenced. A military forensic team has been deployed to identify the bodies.

Possible Mechanical Failure or Weather?

While the exact cause of the crash is not yet known, preliminary intelligence suggests either a mechanical failure or severe atmospheric disturbance may have contributed. Aviation experts have called for an immediate audit of the military’s air transport systems.

The Z-9 helicopter, a Chinese-made light transport aircraft, has been in use by the Ghana Air Force for reconnaissance and short-distance official movements. Wednesday’s incident raises renewed concerns about the airworthiness of Ghana’s aging fleet.

National Mourning Looms

Flags at government institutions have been lowered to half-mast as tributes pour in from across the political divide. Parliament is expected to reconvene for an emergency session, and the presidency is finalizing plans for a national day of mourning.

Ghana has not witnessed a military aviation fatality of this scale in over a decade. The loss of Dr. Omane Boamah and Murtala Mohammed—both prominent figures in the ruling administration—leaves a gaping void in the country’s defense and environmental governance.

📍KEY FACTS

Crash Site: Adansi Brofoyedu, Ashanti Region

Date & Time: August 6, 2025 – around 09:12 GMT

Aircraft: Ghana Air Force Z-9 Helicopter

Confirmed Dead: 8 (including 2 ministers)

Cause: Under investigation