Ghana is in mourning after a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
On Thursday, former President John Agyekum Kufuor paid a solemn visit to President John Dramani Mahama and Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to personally convey his condolences. The visit came a day after the tragedy that shocked the nation and plunged the political and military leadership into grief.
In a brief address during his visit, Mr. Kufuor reiterated sentiments he had earlier expressed in a public statement, describing the victims as patriots who died in the service of Ghana.
“This is a moment for the entire nation to come together in compassion and solidarity. These were men of courage, dedication, and service. Their sacrifice must inspire us to deepen our commitment to the country they loved,” he said.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District, took the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Also among the civilian casualties were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East.
The military lost Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Reports indicate the group was on its way to Obuasi to undertake a critical national assignment.
Military recovery teams have retrieved the remains of all eight victims, with forensic identification now underway. The cause of the crash has not yet been disclosed, and investigations are expected to follow.
In recognition of the scale of the loss, the government has declared a three-day period of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7. Flags are flying at half-mast across the country, and citizens are signing books of condolence in various locations.
A state burial is set for Friday, August 15, 2025, where the nation will bid a final farewell to the fallen.
