Ghana has been plunged into national mourning following the deaths of two senior government ministers and six others in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region.
Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the victims aboard the ill-fated Z-9 helicopter, which went down in a densely forested area while en route from Accra to Obuasi. The officials were traveling to attend a government event targeting illegal mining operations.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, all eight passengers — including three air force crew members — perished in the crash. No survivors were found, and recovery teams have since transported the bodies to the capital in Ghanaian-flag-draped coffins.
President John Dramani Mahama, visibly shaken by the loss, has declared a three-day period of national mourning, suspending his engagements and ordering flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide.
“This is a painful moment for the country. We have lost patriots who served Ghana with dedication and vision,” said Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who described the incident as a “national tragedy.”
Among the other victims were:
• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister
• Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Authorities say investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings are yet to be released.
Dr. Boamah, a respected physician-turned-politician, had previously served as Communications Minister and had recently taken on the defense portfolio, where he was leading efforts to bolster national security amid concerns over cross-border militant threats from the Sahel.
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed had been at the forefront of the government’s environmental reform agenda, particularly in the crackdown on illegal gold mining — locally known as Galamsey — which has devastated natural ecosystems across the country.
Both men were seen as rising political figures with strong grassroots support.
Ghanaians across the country have taken to social media to express grief and solidarity. Candlelight vigils are being organized in several cities, as the nation comes to terms with the sudden loss of two key leaders.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced once the full identification of the victims is complete. The government has confirmed that plans for Islamic burials have been temporarily delayed.