Ghana has been plunged into mourning following the deaths of two senior government ministers in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, in what officials are calling a “national tragedy.”
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among eight people killed when the Ghana Armed Forces aircraft vanished from radar shortly after departing Accra at 09:12 local time. The helicopter was en route to Obuasi, a gold-mining town, for a scheduled national event.
At a solemn press conference, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the fatalities, stating that the aircraft went “off the radar” shortly after takeoff. “The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” Debrah said.
In honour of the victims, national flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast.
The crash claimed the lives of all on board, including three air force crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Also among the deceased were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and a former Minister of Agriculture, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The cause of the crash remains unknown as investigations are underway. The Ghana Armed Forces had earlier confirmed the aircraft’s disappearance, prompting a search operation that ultimately led to the discovery of the wreckage.
Minister Boamah, a medical doctor and former Communications Minister, had recently taken over the defence portfolio during a period of rising security concerns in the region, particularly with the increasing threat of jihadist activities spilling over from neighbouring Burkina Faso.
Muhammed, known for his advocacy in environmental sustainability and scientific innovation, had been a prominent figure in President John Dramani Mahama’s cabinet.
Tributes have since flooded in from across the country and beyond, with political leaders, civil society groups, and foreign governments expressing shock and sorrow over the loss.
President Mahama is expected to address the nation in the coming hours.
This incident marks one of the gravest air disasters involving senior government officials in Ghana’s recent history.
