National Disaster: Full List of 8 Confirmed Dead in GAF Helicopter Crash
Defence Minister, Environment Minister, NDC Vice Chairman, and senior security officers among those killed in tragic Ashanti Region accident
- Full list of 8 high-profile victims confirmed by GAF
- Helicopter exploded after crashing near Adansi Brofoyedu
- National mourning declared; investigation ongoing
Ghana has been plunged into national mourning following the confirmation of eight high-profile deaths in a tragic military helicopter crash near Adansi Brofoyedu in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The Ghana Armed Forces has officially released the full list of casualties, which includes cabinet ministers, a top opposition official, national security personnel, and flight crew:
-
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
-
Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
-
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
-
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
-
Mr. Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
-
Squadron Leader Peter – Pilot
-
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu – Co-pilot
-
Sergeant Ernest Addo – Crew member
The victims were onboard a GAF Z-9 military helicopter en route from Accra to Obuasi when the aircraft lost radar contact and crashed under mysterious circumstances. The wreckage was later discovered in flames in a forest area near Brofoyedu.
Local officials and eyewitnesses described the crash site as devastating, with dismembered bodies and charred remains scattered across the forest floor. The aircraft reportedly exploded on impact.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining program at the time, immediately rushed to the crash site upon receiving the news.
At Jubilee House, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the loss in a national address and announced that flags will fly at half-mast across the country until further notice.
“This is an unbearable tragedy. Ghana has lost some of its finest sons—public servants and soldiers who committed their lives to the cause of national development and peace,” Mr. Debrah stated.
A full investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash. Preliminary speculation suggests bad weather may have played a role, but authorities are yet to release official findings.
This marks one of Ghana’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory, echoing safety concerns raised following a military chopper accident in March 2024, which fortunately recorded no deaths.
As the country comes to terms with the tragedy, tributes continue to pour in from political parties, international missions, and civil society.
