Government Orders Flags at Half-Mast as Nation Mourns Defence, Environment Ministers & Others in Helicopter Crash
Ghana has been thrown into national mourning following a tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior government officials.
The deceased include Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The others confirmed dead are Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter (surname withheld); Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
The victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 military helicopter en route from Accra to Obuasi when the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. It was later discovered to have crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
At a press briefing at Jubilee House, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the fatal incident, noting that emergency response teams had been deployed immediately after the aircraft was reported missing. Recovery and investigation efforts are currently underway, coordinated by the Ghana Armed Forces and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
In response to the incident, government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country, effective immediately.
President John Dramani Mahama, in a solemn address, described the incident as “a dark day in Ghana’s history” and extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the nation at large.
“The passing of Dr Boamah and Dr Murtala Mohammed is not just a loss to government but a great loss to the Republic,” the President said.
The two ministers, both key figures in the current administration, were widely respected for their contributions to national development. Their deaths have been described as a heavy blow to the country’s leadership and public service.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations by the military.
Confirmed Dead
1. Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
2. Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
4. Dr Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, NDC
5. Mr Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary candidate
6. Squadron leader Peter
7. Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo
