Ghana has been plunged into mourning following the deaths of two senior ministers and six others in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region. The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, aged 50.
The helicopter, a Z9 model, had taken off from Accra and was en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event when it went off radar. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as a “national tragedy.”
Nation Mourns Fallen Leaders And Crew As Helicopter Crash Stuns The Country Deeply
The helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, disappeared shortly after takeoff at 09:12 GMT. Images showing the charred wreckage quickly began circulating on social media, though the exact cause of the crash remains unconfirmed.
In response, the chief of staff has ordered that national flags fly at half-mast, while President John Mahama expressed profound sorrow over the loss. Condolences have also been extended to the fallen servicemen who perished in the line of duty.
In addition to the two ministers, other high-profile victims include Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The aircrew lost in the crash have been identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The country has been united in grief, with many public figures expressing their condolences.
Boamah and Muhammed were champions of security and environment lost in tragedy
Edward Omane Boamah was a key figure in the government’s security apparatus, especially concerning jihadist threats in Ghana’s north near Burkina Faso. He previously served as communications and environment minister and had been active in counterterrorism initiatives.
Notably, Boamah had authored a book on former President John Atta Mills, which was scheduled for release later this year. His leadership was considered vital in addressing regional violence and youth radicalization.
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was known for his fierce advocacy against illegal gold mining commonly known as “Galamsey” which has severely damaged Ghana’s environment.
As Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, he led the government’s campaign to stop the practice, which peaked during President Mahama’s last election campaign. His untimely death is seen as a blow to the environmental justice movement in the country, where river and land degradation from mining remains a major concern.
