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| Ghana Mourns After Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Eight Lives, Including Two Ministers |
On the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Ghana was shaken by a devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of all eight people on board. Among the victims were two prominent government ministers and other high-ranking officials. The helicopter, a Ghana Air Force Z-9, departed from Accra with the goal of investigating illegal mining operations in the Obuasi area. The aircraft tragically went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, plunging the nation into a state of mourning.
Key Details of the Tragedy
Victims: The eight fatalities included Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister for Defence, and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Also on board were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, acting deputy national security coordinator, and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, the Vice Chairman of the NDC. The flight crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also perished in the crash, along with Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.
Mission: The helicopter was on an official mission to tackle the persistent problem of illegal mining, locally known as "galamsey," which has caused significant environmental damage in the region. The team was heading to Obuasi to gather information and coordinate efforts to curb these activities.
Investigation: An official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest either a technical malfunction or severe weather conditions may have contributed to the disaster. The government has yet to release a definitive statement, but the Ghana Armed Forces are working to uncover the full details.
National Mourning and Response
In the wake of this profound loss, President John Mahama has declared a period of national mourning. All official engagements have been cancelled, and flags across the country have been lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect for the victims. The country is grappling with one of its most severe aviation accidents in recent memory, mourning the loss of dedicated public servants who were on a mission to protect Ghana's natural resources.
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