A devastating helicopter crash has claimed the lives of two senior Ghanaian government officials on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom district, deep in the Ashanti Region. Onboard the military aircraft were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Murtala Muhammed neither survived. The nation is in mourning.
The helicopter, a Z-9 operated by the Ghana Air Force, had taken off from Accra mid-morning, en route to Obuasi, where the ministers were scheduled to inspect a key mining site tied to the country’s sustainable development agenda. Shortly after departure, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control. Search and rescue teams later discovered the wreckage in a remote, forested area near Akrofuom, late in the afternoon.
Preliminary reports confirm that eight people were on board: the two ministers, three aides, and three crew members. There were no survivors. Weather conditions were reportedly stable at the time, raising further questions. No distress signal was sent before the crash, prompting authorities to launch a formal investigation. A special committee has already been tasked with uncovering the cause whether it was mechanical failure, human error, or another unforeseen factor.
The ministers’ journey was part of a broader governmental initiative focused on ecological reform and strengthening national security infrastructure. President visibly shaken, declared three days of national mourning. Flags are flying at half-mast across the country, and a state ceremony in Accra is being prepared. Political opponents have suspended their activities out of respect, honoring what they described as the ministers’ “patriotic service and unwavering dedication to progress.”
This tragedy has left the country in shock. Two influential voices in Ghana’s leadershipeach with a deep legacy in both politics and public service have been lost in a single, silent moment. As the nation seeks answers, it first bows its head in grief.
Joseph Kabuye , Correspondent , Kampala
