By Seli Baisie
A military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region has claimed the lives of two Ministers of State and six others, including top security officials and military crew members.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the Z-9 helicopter went off radar on Wednesday, August 6, while en route to Obuasi in the Adansi Akrofuom District. The aircraft was carrying eight people at the time of the crash.
The Chief of Staff has officially confirmed the deaths of the following individuals:
- Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Mr Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Emergency response teams were dispatched immediately after the aircraft lost contact.
Graphic images from the crash site show burnt wreckage, but officials say investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.
The government has extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged full support during this difficult time. In honour of the fallen, all national flags are to be flown at half-mast.
