A military helicopter carrying Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed crashed in Ghana’s southern Ashanti region on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of all eight onboard.
The aircraft, a Z‑9 chopper staffed by Ghana Air Force crew, vanished from radar shortly after departing Accra, bound for Obuasi on an official mission.
The crash claimed the lives of:
- Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah
- Environment, Science & Technology Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
- Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed
- NDC Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong
- Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Relief Agency, Samuel Aboagye
- Three air force crew members
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah addressed the media, calling the crash “a national tragedy.” President John Dramani Mahama declared three days of national mourning, ordered flags flown at half-mast, and suspended official engagements.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, examining factors including weather conditions, mechanical integrity, and maintenance records.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has been appointed as Acting Defence Minister, adapting to the immediate leadership void.
This tragic incident marks one of the worst aviation disasters in Ghana in over a decade, with the nation united in grief and awaiting answers from the ongoing inquiry.
