Ghana is in mourning following the tragic crash of a military helicopter on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of eight high-ranking government and security officials en route to an official engagement in the southern gold-mining town of Obuasi.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the Z-9 helicopter lost contact during its flight from the capital, Accra, and was later found crashed, resulting in no survivors.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the Armed Forces released the identities of the deceased, describing the loss as a major blow to the nation. Among those who perished were:
1. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
2. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
3. Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
4. Samuel Sarpong – Vice-Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC)
5. Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate
6. Peter Baafemi Anala – Squadron Leader
7. Manaen Twum Ampadu – Flying Officer
8. Ernest Addo – Sergeant
President John Mahama described the incident as a “national tragedy” and immediately suspended all official engagements upon receiving the news. He consequently ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country to honour the victims.
