Two Ghanaian Ministers Among Eight Killed in Military Helicopter Crash

Accra, August 6, 2025 (FMC) — Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among eight people killed in a military helicopter crash Wednesday morning in the Ashanti region, the government confirmed.

The Z-9 helicopter, operated by the Ghana Air Force, was en route from Accra to Obuasi when it lost contact with air traffic control. The wreckage was later found near Adansi with no survivors, according to the Ghana Armed Forces.

Among the other victims were a senior national security adviser, the vice-chair of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), and three crew members.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the deaths in a televised statement, calling the incident a national tragedy. He said President John Dramani Mahama has declared a period of national mourning, ordered flags to be flown at half-mast, and suspended official engagements.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.