A Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crashed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti region, killing all eight people on board, including two key government ministers.
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye. The three military crew members onboard also died.
The helicopter took off from Accra at 9:12 GMT, heading to Obuasi for an event targeting illegal mining. The aircraft lost radar contact before going down, according to the BBC. Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, said the accident is a national loss and extended condolences to the victims’ families. The government has launched an investigation into the crash.
Dr. Omane Boamah, who became Defence Minister earlier this year, was central to efforts bolstering Ghana’s security, especially against threats from jihadist groups in neighboring Sahel countries.
In response to the tragedy, Ghana has declared a national mourning period, ordering flags to fly at half-mast. The cause of the crash remains unknown as investigations continue.
