ACCRA (Dawan Africa) – Ghana has declared three days of national mourning following a military helicopter crash that killed eight individuals, including two cabinet ministers, senior party officials, and military officers. The mourning period will begin on Thursday, 7 August 2025, with national flags ordered to fly at half-mast until further notice.
The crash occurred on Wednesday morning near the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region. According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the Z-9 helicopter, operated by the Ghana Air Force, had departed from Accra en route to Obuasi before losing radar contact mid-flight. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the incident.
The Office of the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the identities of the eight deceased:
- Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP), Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
In a press release signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications, the presidency announced the mourning directive and confirmed the suspension of all scheduled government activities for the remainder of the week.
“There will be three days of national mourning starting Thursday, 7 August 2025. The government, through the Chief of Staff, has directed that all flags must fly at half-mast until further notice,” the statement read.
The crash has prompted widespread reactions across the country. The deceased officials were reportedly on official duty at the time of the incident. The tragedy is considered one of the most severe military aviation accidents in Ghana’s recent history.
