National Tragedy: Ministers Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed, Samuel Sarpong & 5 Others Die in Military Helicopter Crash
A Ghana Armed Forces helicopter carrying eight people, including two ministers and a presidential staffer, crashed in Adansi Brofoyedu; national mourning declared as investigation begins.
- Eight killed, including Ministers Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed, and presidential staffer Samuel Sarpong, in a military helicopter crash
- Z-9 military aircraft lost radar contact en route to Obuasi before crashing in Adansi Brofoyedu
- National flag to fly at half-mast as Ghana Armed Forces and emergency teams investigate the cause
Two high-profile government officials—Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed—have tragically died in a military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
According to early reports, the two ministers were among eight individuals aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter heading to Obuasi. The aircraft reportedly vanished from radar shortly after takeoff and later crashed under unclear circumstances.
The passengers included three crew members, the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and security personnel. Graphic images and video obtained by Lawson News show burnt wreckage and dismembered remains at the scene, though the full list of victims is yet to be officially released.
In a somber address from Jubilee House, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the deaths and announced that national flags would fly at half-mast until further notice as a mark of respect.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene abandoned an anti-galamsey event and rushed to the site upon receiving the tragic news.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that recovery efforts are ongoing and that the cause of the crash is still under investigation. The incident recalls a similar helicopter crash on March 19, 2024, in the Western Region, which, fortunately, resulted in no casualties.
More updates are expected as investigations continue and families of the deceased are formally notified.
