Government Issues Urgent Warning Over Circulation of Graphic Crash Footage MoCDTI Calls for Respect as Nation Mourns Fallen Leaders in Helicopter Tragedy

Government Issues Urgent Warning Over Circulation of Graphic Crash Footage MoCDTI Calls for Respect as Nation Mourns Fallen Leaders in Helicopter Tragedy

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI) has issued a strong and urgent appeal to the public to immediately cease the circulation of graphic videos and photos from Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.

In a viral message being widely shared on social media and messaging platforms, the Ministry stated:

"IMPORTANT ALERT – We have become aware of videos and photos circulating on social media of a helicopter crash and the burning bodies of some victims. We ask that out of respect to the individuals involved, circulation of these videos and photos should stop immediately and all copies deleted. We count on your co-operation. Our prayers are with the families and friends of those impacted."

The message comes in response to disturbing footage showing the aftermath of the crash — including charred remains — which has sparked public outrage, sorrow, and calls for restraint.

The crash, involving a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter, claimed the lives of eight high-profile individuals, including two cabinet ministers and top national security officers. The helicopter took off from Accra at 09:12am en route to Obuasi but vanished from radar shortly after, before crashing in the Adansi forest.

Those confirmed dead are:

1. Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
2. Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
4. Dr Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC)
5. Mr Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
6. Squadron Leader Peter Anala – Pilot
7. Flying Officer Twum Ampadu – Co-pilot
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo – Flight Engineer

Military personnel, aviation authorities, and disaster response teams have since recovered the remains of the eight and have conveyed same to Accra as investigation and  cause of the crash continue. Official sources have indicated that preliminary findings will be released in due course.

As tributes pour in from across the political divide, religious leaders, and international partners, the government is urging the public to honour the dignity of the deceased and show restraint in sharing traumatic content.