GHANA HELICOPTER CRASH: Defence and Environment Ministers Among Eight Dead
Ghana is mourning after a military Z‑9 utility helicopter crashed while flying from Accra to Obuasi. Eight people died, including two senior government ministers, political figures, and members of the Ghana Air Force.
The victims include Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science & Technology Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Their deaths leave two key ministries without leadership. Also on board were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and three Air Force crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum‑Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The helicopter took off from Accra at 9:12 a.m. for a mining skills program in Obuasi. Minutes later, it lost radar contact. It went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region and burst into flames on impact. Witnesses described seeing burning wreckage and remains too damaged to identify. Emergency services arrived quickly, but no one survived.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah called the crash a “national tragedy.” The President has ordered flags to fly at half‑mast and sent condolences to the families and the Armed Forces. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash. Officials say they will examine possible technical failures and weather conditions.
This is one of Ghana’s worst air disasters in years — not just because of the number of lives lost, but because of who was on board. Both ministers played leading roles in national security and environmental policy. The loss of senior military officers in the same crash adds to the blow.
The government is expected to name interim ministers soon. A preliminary crash report will follow in the coming days, and state funerals are likely for the victims. For now, the country grieves and waits for answers.
However, given the string of strange protests and propaganda warfare that is visible across social media, many are looking at it with a dose of suspicion.
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