Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning following a tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two serving cabinet ministers.

Presidential spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that President Mahama has also suspended all official engagements for the rest of the week in light of the incident, which he described as a national tragedy.

The crash involved a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 military helicopter that went off radar shortly after taking off from Accra. The aircraft crashed in the Adansi-Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region on the morning of August 6, 2025.

The deceased include:

  • Dr Edward Kofi 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
  • Mr Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
  • Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot
  • Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, co-pilot
  • Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, flight engineer

The officials were en route to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, an initiative designed to support small-scale miners with training and cooperative organisation.

The news of the crash has drawn widespread condolences from across Africa.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu described the incident as a “deeply painful moment,” adding:

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to my brother, President John Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana on the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others.”

President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria stands in full solidarity with Ghana and offered prayers for the deceased.

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone also conveyed his sympathy via social media:

“My heartfelt condolences go out to His Excellency President Mahama and the people of Ghana during this incredibly difficult time. We are with you in your grief.”

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, referred to the crash as a national calamity:

“I learned with deep sorrow of the tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana…The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss.”

In honour of the victims, national flags across Ghana are to be flown at half-mast until further notice. Authorities have also launched a formal investigation into the crash to determine its cause.

This incident marks one of the gravest air disasters in Ghana’s recent history and has cast a somber shadow over the nation.