Ghana’s Defence and Environment Ministers have died in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region, along with six other individuals, a government spokesperson confirmed.
Among the deceased are Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator, former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress party.
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, 50, were killed in the accident, which Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described as a “national tragedy.”
The Ghana Armed Forces reported that the Z9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, had gone “off the radar.” It had departed from the capital, Accra, at 09:12 local time (GMT) and was en route to Obuasi for an event addressing illegal mining. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the crash.
In response, the Chief of Staff ordered the nation’s flags to fly at half-mast and offered condolences to “the servicemen who died in service to the country” on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the government.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
A news agency reported that President Mahama was emotionally affected by the tragedy, quoting Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu.
Edward Omane Boamah previously served as Communications Minister under Mahama’s administration and had also held the post of Environment Minister. As Defence Minister, he focused on combating emerging jihadist threats along the northern border with Burkina Faso.
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed had been at the forefront of the fight against illegal gold mining, or “Galamsey,” which has severely damaged the environment and contaminated waterways. Protests against the practice had intensified during Mahama’s recent presidential campaign.
