Ghana has been plunged into mourning following a tragic military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, along with six others.

In response to the tragedy, the government has directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased.

At a press briefing held at the Jubilee House, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the fatal incident and expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the Presidency and the entire government.

The victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 military helicopter that departed from Accra earlier in the day, bound for Obuasi.

The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff and was later confirmed to have crashed in the Ashanti Region.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, made up of three crew members and five passengers. Among the passengers were the two ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and members of their security detail.

Emergency response teams were swiftly deployed to the crash site after the aircraft was reported missing. The Ghana Armed Forces and national emergency services are currently conducting recovery and investigation operations at the scene.

The deaths of Dr. Omane Boamah and Murtala Mohammed mark a devastating loss to the government and the country at large.

Both men were widely respected for their service and leadership in their respective ministries.

In a statement, President John Dramani Mahama described the incident as “a dark day in Ghana’s history” and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

The government has expressed its sympathies to the families of the lost souls and the servicemen who died in service to the country.

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