Ghana is grappling with grief and outrage following a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent individuals, including two cabinet ministers, on Wednesday. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation over the handling of the victims’ bodies, with many Ghanaians expressing shock and disgust over images showing the deceased being carried on heads in cocoa sacks.
The helicopter, a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9, crashed near Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, killing everyone on board. The victims included:
– Minister of Defence: Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
– Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation: Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed
– Senior National Security Officers:
– Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
– Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
– Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
– Military Personnel:
– Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
– Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
– Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
President John Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, starting Thursday, August 7, 2025, to honor the victims. Flags will be flown at half-mast across government buildings, and all official activities for the president have been suspended for the week.
The nation has come together to mourn the loss of these influential leaders, with tributes pouring in from across the country. The African Union Commission has also expressed its condolences, with Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stating, “The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss”.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, there are growing concerns about the need for improved safety measures and transparency in governance. The Ghana Armed Forces has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, and the government has assured the public that a thorough probe will be conducted.