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 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.