Helicopter crash kills two Ghanaian ministers, six others 

An helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region of Ghana has claimed the lives of two key government ministers, Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology. 

The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, also claimed the lives of six other individuals, including high-ranking government officials and military personnel.

According to reports, the helicopter was carrying three crew members and five passengers when it went “off the radar” shortly after taking off from Accra, the capital city of Ghana, at 09:12 local time (GMT). 

The aircraft was en route to Obuasi, a town in the Ashanti region, where the ministers were scheduled to attend an event aimed at tackling the menace of illegal mining.

The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the helicopter had lost contact with air traffic control, and subsequent searches revealed the wreckage of the aircraft. Images circulating on social media appear to show the charred remains of the helicopter, but the authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the crash.

Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff  described the incident as a “national tragedy” and directed that the country’s flags be flown at half-mast in honor of the deceased ministers and other victims. 

On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the government, Debrah extended condolences to the families of the victims, saying, “We mourn the loss of these dedicated public servants who gave their lives in service to the nation.”

The deceased ministers were prominent figures in Ghanaian politics. Edward Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, had previously served as Minister of Communications and Minister of Environment under President Mahama’s administration. 

He was also known for his efforts to tackle jihadist activity brewing in the northern border region with Burkina Faso. Boamah’s book, “A Peaceful Man In An African Democracy,” a biography of former President John Atta Mills, was scheduled for release later this year.

Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Environment Minister, was a vocal advocate against illegal gold mining, known locally as “Galamsey,” which has had devastating effects on Ghana’s environment and water resources.

 Protests against the practice peaked during President Mahama’s presidential campaign last year, and Muhammed’s efforts to combat Galamsey were widely recognized.

Other notable individuals who lost their lives in the crash include Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress party. 

The crew members who perished in the crash were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

President Mahama was said to be deeply affected by the news of the ministers’ deaths, with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu citing the President as feeling “down, down emotionally.” 

The government has promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, and the nation mourns the loss of these dedicated public servants who gave their lives in service to Ghana.