National Tragedy: Ghana Loses Key Government Officials in Military Helicopter Crash

National Tragedy: Ghana Loses Key Government Officials in Military Helicopter Crash

Ghana is in mourning following the tragic crash of a Ghana Air Force helicopter in a rural part of Adansi, which claimed the lives of all eight individuals onboard — including two sitting ministers, a deputy national security official, and other high-profile figures.

The Ghana Armed Forces earlier confirmed the disappearance of a GAF Z-9 helicopter that departed Accra at 09:12am bound for Obuasi. The aircraft went off radar shortly after takeoff and later crashed, erupting into flames that left all onboard burnt beyond recognition.

The confirmed deceased 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 of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)
5. Mr Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate for the NDC
6. Squadron Leader Peter [Surname withheld pending family notice] – Pilot
7. Flying Officer Twum Ampadu – Co-pilot
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo – Flight engineer

The crash has plunged the nation into shock, with an outpouring of grief and disbelief from across the political spectrum. President Mahama is expected to address the nation in the coming hours, with national security on high alert.

Military and emergency teams, led by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Ghana Armed Forces, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), are at the crash site conducting investigations and recovery operations.

Initial eyewitness accounts suggest a loud explosion was heard before flames and thick smoke engulfed the area. Despite swift response by local residents, the fire had already consumed the aircraft by the time help arrived.

The Ghana Armed Forces have not yet issued a full investigative report on the cause of the crash, though sources indicate that weather conditions and technical failure are among the possible leads.

This is the deadliest military aviation disaster in Ghana in recent memory, and one that has shaken the foundations of the country’s political and security leadership.

National flags are expected to fly at half-mast as the government prepares a formal state response and funeral arrangements.

TheGhanaVoice.com will continue to follow this developing story.

May their souls rest in perfect peace.