A Z9 military helicopter carrying eight people has gone off radar during a routine flight from Accra to Obuasi, sparking an urgent search and rescue operation by aviation and security authorities.

According to an official statement issued by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director-General of Public Relations, the aircraft took off from Accra at exactly 09:12 a.m. today but lost communication with air traffic control shortly after.

The helicopter had three crew members and five passengers on board at the time of departure.

No contact has been re-established with the aircraft, and its current location remains unknown.

“The Ghana Armed Forces, in coordination with the relevant aviation authorities, has launched a full-scale operation to locate the aircraft and ensure the safety of all persons on board,” the statement noted.

Authorities are urging the public to remain calm as efforts intensify to determine the status of the missing helicopter and its occupants.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.