Ghana is in mourning following a devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and seven others, including top government officials and military personnel. The incident occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday morning.
The ill-fated military helicopter, a Z-9 aircraft operated by the Ghana Armed Forces, took off from Accra at approximately 9:12 AM en route to Obuasi. According to official sources, the aircraft lost radar contact shortly after takeoff. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately after the loss of contact.
Tragically, the wreckage was discovered hours later, engulfed in flames and burnt beyond recognition. No survivors were found.
What Happened:
Shortly after takeoff from Accra, the helicopter lost contact with air traffic control.
Radar and communication signals were lost near the dense forested area between Brofoyedru and Pekyerekye, within the Adansi Akrofuom District.
Eyewitnesses in local villages reported hearing a loud mechanical noise followed by an explosion around 9:40 AM
The burnt wreckage was located around 1:15 PM in a remote, heavily forested hillside near Bosome-Freho, approximately 12 km from the nearest town.
Local farmers were the first to spot thick black smoke, leading responders to the crash site.
No survivors were found. All bodies were charred beyond recognition, requiring forensic and dental identification
Confirmed Victims:
1. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
2. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
4. Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC)
5. Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
6. Sqn. Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
7. Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu – Co-pilot
8. Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah – Crew Member
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, officially confirmed the incident, declaring it a national tragedy. The President has ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast, with a week of mourning announced.
The Ministry of Information is expected to issue further updates, and a formal investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
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