Ghana is in deep mourning, following the tragic crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including top government officials and military personnel, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The accident occurred in a remote forested area near Sikaman, after the aircraft, a Z-9 military helicopter, went off radar after taking off from Accra en route to Obuasi.
According to early reports, some of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.
Chief of Staff Announcement
In a solemn press briefing, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the death of:Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; AlhajiDr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, MP and Minister for Environment Science and Technology; AlhajiMuniru Muhammad Lemunade, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture;
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidateof Obuasi East;Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer ManaenTwum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Mr.Julius Debrah described the incident as a “national tragedy” and announced that all national flags would be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims, until their burial.
He extended the government’s deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased, emphasising the profound impact of the loss on the nation.
Ghana Armed Forces Confirms Crash
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), through its Department of Public Relations, also confirmed the incident in an official press release issued on August 6, 2025. The statement indicated that the Z-9 helicopter took off at 0912 hours from Accra before crashing in the general area of Sikaman, near AdansiAkrofuom.
The release, signed by Captain Veronica AdzoArhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Navy, listed the names of both crew and passengers onboard, all of whom were confirmed dead.
“The Ghana Armed Forces regrets to announce that the crew were Squadron Leader Peter BafemiAnala, Flying Officer ManaenTwumAmpadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah,” the release read.
The Ghana Armed Forces extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the crash.
Vice President Leads Govt Delegation
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang led efforts by the government to provide support and comfort to the affected families.
Speaking to the press at the Jubilee House, Minister for Education,HarunaIddrisu, confirmed that the Vice President was personally heading a government delegation to convey the nation’s condolences to the families of Dr. Omane Boamah, Dr. Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and Dr. Samuel Sarpong.
“The Vice President led a government delegation to formally convey the sad passing of our colleagues. The first delegation is headed to Koforidua and was led by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, alongside the National Chairman of the NDC, Asiedu Nketia. They are being supported by the Army Commander,” he stated.
He added that another delegation would visit the remaining families to offer government’s support and condolences.“Do accept our sympathy and condolences. It is a very difficult moment for all of us,” he added solemnly.
Minority Pays Tribute
The Minority in Parliament has also issued a statement expressing sorrow over what they called a “devastating accident.”
The statement, signed by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, highlighted the immense contributions of those who perished, stating:“I must speak from the heart about two men I knew not as political opponents, but as fellow Ghanaians united in our love for this country. Hon. Dr.Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and I may have sat across the parliamentary aisle, but we shared countless moments of genuine discourse about Ghana’s future. His passion for environmental protection transcended party politics, and he possessed that rare quality of listening with intent to understand.
“Dr. Edward Omane Boamah brought to his role as Defence Minister a scholar’s intellect combined with a patriot’s heart. In our private conversations, I witnessed a man deeply committed to modernising our armed forces whilst preserving the values that make Ghana’s military a source of national pride.”
The Minority extended condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, stating:“Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief. In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you as Ghanaians mourning together.”He concluded with a call to honour the legacies of the deceased through national unity and commitment to service: “Let us honour these eight souls by supporting our Armed Forces, protecting Ghana’s environment, and working together for our nation’s security and prosperity.”
NPP Mourns
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) also issued a press statement stating it has been struck by a wave of grief following the tragic loss of eight lives in a military helicopter crash, describing the incident as a national catastrophe and a devastating blow to the entire nation.
In a heartfelt statement signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP expressed deep sorrow over the fatal crash that claimed the lives of all persons on board the aircraft. The Party said it is mourning alongside the bereaved families and the entire nation.
“The New Patriotic Party is reeling with sorrow and grief following the tragic crash of a military helicopter that claimed the lives of all eight persons onboard,” the statement read.
The NPP acknowledged the significance of the fallen individuals to the nation, emphasising that their untimely deaths represented more than a personal loss to their families they were a profound loss to Ghana as a whole.
“Their passing is not only a devastating blow to their families, but also a profound loss to the entire nation, they worked to protect and build,” the Party stated.
Offering words of solace, the Party extended its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The NPP acknowledged that words alone were insufficient to ease the pain, describing the moment as one of excruciating difficulty for those left behind.
“No words can truly capture the anguish of this moment. We pray that the Almighty God grants them comfort and strength during this excruciatingly difficult period,” the statement said.
The NPP called on the government and relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash. According to the Party, understanding what led to the fatal incident is essential to prevent future occurrences and to honour the dignity of the lives lost.
The Party concluded the statement with a solemn prayer, wishing eternal peace for the souls of the deceased, while holding onto the hope of eventual reunion.
“May the souls of these eight heroes rest in perfect peace until the last day of the Resurrection, when we shall meet again,” it ended.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Former President Akufo-Addo on his part expressed profound shock and sadness over the crash. He said the incident had robbed the nation of committed public servants and gallant military officers.In a Facebook post, he mentioned that he had spoken to President Mahama and NDC Chairman Johnson AsieduNketiah to express his condolences.
Former President also extended his sympathies to the Ghana Air Force and saluted their vital contributions to public service. “May they find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again,” he concluded.
MahamuduBawumia
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia, in a statement revealed that he had already extended his condolences to President John Dramani Mahama following the devastating incident.He described the news as “heart-wrenching,” noting that the individuals who lost their lives had paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“The fallen men paid the ultimate price in the service of our motherland, leaving a shocked nation in pain,” he stated. He added that he knew most of the deceased personally and expressed deep sorrow at their loss under such tragic circumstances.
“Samira, I, the Bawumia family and the NPP join the nation in mourning them. May the good Lord grant the bereaved families, the Government and people of Ghana strength and healing in this time of tragedy,” he said.
Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong also issued a statement on the crash, describing it as a “devastating blow to our nation.I have received with great sorrow the news of the GAF helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the precious lives of 8 people on board,” he wrote.
“We have lost courageous men; public servants, and soldiers who dedicated their lives to the country’s peace and stability.”
He extended his sympathies to the President, government, bereaved families, and the entire Ghanaian populace.
Investigations Underway
As the nation mourns, attention is turning to the urgent need for answers regarding the cause of the crash. The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that a full investigation is underway.
The tragic loss has not only robbed the country of distinguished public servants and military officers, but has also dealt a heavy emotional blow to many citizens who admired their service and sacrifice.
