Defence and Environment Ministers, 6 Others Killed in Helicopter Crash

A tragic helicopter crash in Ghana’s southern Ashanti region has claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, after the Ghana Air Force helicopter lost contact with the control station while en route to Obuasi from Accra.

According to Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to President John Mahama, the crash occurred near Adansi-Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. Debrah confirmed that all eight people on board were killed, including three crew members and five passengers. “The president and the government extend their condolences and solidarity to the families of our comrades and soldiers who fell in their service to the nation,” Debrah said, announcing that all national flags would fly at half-mast in honour of the deceased.

The victims include prominent government officials such as Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Agriculture, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party. The helicopter crew members who lost their lives were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Edward Omane Boamah, a medical doctor by training, had been leading Ghana’s defence ministry amid growing concerns over jihadist activity in neighbouring Burkina Faso. He had previously served as Communications Minister during Mahama’s 2012-2017 tenure and had recently led a delegation to Ouagadougou in May as Ghana pursued increased diplomacy with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Boamah was also set to release a book titled “A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy” about former President John Atta Mills.

The Ghanaian Armed Forces have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with rescue teams deployed to the site shortly after the helicopter was reported missing. The incident has sparked widespread mourning, with President Mahama cancelling his official activities for the day.