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| Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Alhaji Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central. |
Ghana has been plunged into deep sorrow following a devastating military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two prominent government ministers and six others in the Ashanti Region on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The incident, described by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah as a "national tragedy," has sent shockwaves across the country.
Also read, H.E. Dr. Gabriel Tanko: A Beacon of Compassion Redefining Leadership in Ghana’s Volta Region
Among the deceased were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Alhaji Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
The aircraft was on route from Accra to Obuasi for a scheduled government assignment focused on illegal mining operations, when it suddenly went off radar and later crashed.
The military helicopter departed Ghana’s capital, Accra, at exactly 9:12 a.m. GMT, carrying eight individuals; three crew members and five passengers, on a mission to address environmental degradation caused by illegal gold mining, commonly known as Galamsey.
Not long into its journey, contact with the aircraft was lost. By mid-morning, grim visuals of a wrecked, burning fuselage began surfacing on social media, showing the aftermath of what is now confirmed as one of the most tragic air incidents in Ghana’s recent history.
Although the Ghana Armed Forces have yet to determine the cause of the crash, investigations are underway.
The Chief of Staff’s office has officially released the names of those who perished in the crash:
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Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
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Dr. Alhaji Murtala Muhammed – Minister for Environment, Science & Technology; MP for Tamale Central
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Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; former Minister of Agriculture
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Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
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Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
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Sqn. Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
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Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Co-pilot
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Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah – Flight Engineer
In response to the national loss, all flags across the country have been ordered to fly at half-mast.
President John Dramani Mahama has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the nation as a whole. “These men served our nation with passion, integrity, and bravery. Their deaths are a colossal loss to Ghana,” he expressed through the Chief of Staff.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah was not only Ghana’s sitting Minister of Defence but a respected voice in national politics and public health. Having previously served as Minister for Communications and Environment, his portfolio was rich with impactful leadership. At the time of his death, he had been spearheading counter-extremism efforts near Ghana’s northern borders amid rising jihadist threats from neighboring Burkina Faso.
Also read, H.E. Dr. Gabriel Tanko: A Beacon of Compassion Redefining Leadership in Ghana’s Volta Region
Boamah, a medical doctor by training, was also a budding author. His upcoming book, "A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy", which reflects on the life and leadership of late President John Evans Atta Mills, was due for release later this year.
Dr. Murtala Muhammed was a frontline warrior in the environmental crusade against illegal gold mining. Galamsey, a scourge that has contaminated rivers, destroyed forests, and harmed entire communities, was one of his core areas of advocacy. A fearless reformer and eloquent parliamentarian, Muhammed had won widespread acclaim for his passionate commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), which lost three key figures in the crash; Omane Boamah, Murtala Muhammed, and Samuel Sarpong, are deeply affected and are in a serious morning state.
Sarpong, who had served as a Regional Minister under the Mahama administration, was currently the Vice Chairman of the party and a stalwart of grassroots political mobilization.
The party NDC lost patriots whose lives were dedicated to the service of Ghana. Their wisdom, courage, and commitment will remain etched in the annals of the party’s history.”
The crew members aboard the ill-fated aircraft were experienced servicemen who had dedicated their lives to the Ghana Armed Forces.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah were recognized for their discipline and professionalism in active duty. Their tragic deaths while executing a state assignment underscore the peril and sacrifice inherent in military service.
As condolences pour in from across the political divide, international partners, civil society organizations, and ordinary Ghanaians, there is a shared sense of loss that transcends politics or profession. Social media has been flooded with tributes, memories, and prayers.
As the mourning continues, questions are being raised about the safety protocols of military aircraft and the maintenance of government-owned transport.
Aviation experts are urging a thorough investigation into the crash, not just to determine its immediate cause, but to institute lasting reforms that will prevent such tragedies in the future.
Also read, H.E. Dr. Gabriel Tanko: A Beacon of Compassion Redefining Leadership in Ghana’s Volta Region
This painful chapter in Ghana’s history is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of tragedy. The nation has not just lost eight individuals; it has lost visionaries, protectors, and public servants whose work was shaping the future of Ghana.
May their souls rest in perfect peace.
If you found this story moving, consider sharing it to honor the memory of these fallen heroes. Let their legacy inspire a stronger, safer, and more united Ghana.
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