A devastating military helicopter crash has claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, along with six others, prompting national mourning in Ghana.
The crash occurred on Wednesday morning near Adansi–Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region as a Z‑9 helicopter traveled from Accra to Obuasi.
All eight people onboard—five passengers and three crew members—were confirmed dead. Victims included a former agricultural minister, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, a vice-chair of the NDC, and a former parliamentary candidate.
The crash comes during a national event in Obuasi focused on cooperative mining and skills development.
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah (aged ~51) was a medical practitioner and health policy expert whose political career spanned several ministerial roles, including Communications and Defence under President John Dramani Mahama.
He earned advanced degrees from the University of Ghana, LSE, and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (born December 14, 1974) served as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation since February 2025. A former MP for Tamale Central, he held advisory and deputy ministerial roles and was active in inclusive environmental policy.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced flags would fly at half-mast until further notice.
Minister Sam George, heading Communication, Technology & Innovation, urged citizens to refrain from spreading distressing videos and to uphold dignity and empathy for grieving families.
As Ghana mourns these luminaries and seeks answers, President Mahama has directed a full investigation into the crash.