By Emmanuel Nduka
Ghana has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in a fatal military helicopter crash on Tuesday.
The presidency confirmed that the ministers were among eight people onboard a Ghana Air Force Z-9 utility helicopter that crashed in the Ashanti Region while en route from Accra to Obuasi.
A statement from the Office of the President announced that all passengers aboard the aircraft died in the crash.
Those onboard included Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); and three crew members of the Ghana Air Force, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (pilot), Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who issued the statement on behalf of the presidency, described the incident as a national tragedy. “President John Mahama has expressed profound shock and sadness over the loss of these distinguished public servants. Flags will be flown at half-mast across the country,” the statement read.
Dr. Boamah, a medical doctor and former Communications Minister, had been appointed Defence Minister in February 2025 and was leading key efforts to strengthen national security amid increasing threats along Ghana’s northern borders. Muhammed, also appointed in February, was spearheading the government’s fight against illegal mining and environmental degradation.
The helicopter reportedly took off from Accra around 9:00 a.m. and lost contact with air traffic control shortly before it was scheduled to land. Authorities say investigations have begun to determine the cause of the crash, and the Air Force has grounded all Z-9 helicopters as a precaution.
This is one of Ghana’s worst air disasters in over a decade, recalling memories of previous fatal crashes in 2012 and 2014 involving cargo and military aircraft.
President Mahama has cancelled all official engagements as the nation begins a period of mourning. Funeral arrangements for the deceased are expected to be announced in the coming days.
