Ghana has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of two serving ministers and six others in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region. The crash, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, both of whom were on official duty.
According to a government spokesperson, the Z9 military helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, went “off the radar” after taking off from the capital, Accra, at 09:12 GMT. The aircraft was en route to Obuasi for an official event aimed at tackling illegal mining, a major environmental and socio-economic concern in Ghana.
The crash was described as a “national tragedy” by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who directed that national flags fly at half-mast in honour of the deceased. Images of the charred remains of the helicopter have circulated widely on social media, though authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the crash.
In addition to Boamah and Muhammed, the crash also claimed the lives of Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Agriculture, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The crew members have been identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In a statement on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the government, Chief of Staff Debrah extended condolences to the families of the deceased and recognised the servicemen who died “in service to the country.” Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu described President Mahama as feeling “down, down emotionally” over the tragedy.
National Loss of Key Figures
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, 52, was a seasoned public servant and former Minister of Communications under Mahama’s previous administration. Prior to that, he also served as Minister of Environment. In his current role as Defence Minister, Boamah had been at the forefront of efforts to counter the rising threat of jihadist activity along Ghana’s northern border with Burkina Faso. His upcoming book, A Peaceful Man In An African Democracy, a biography of late President John Atta Mills, was due for release later this year.
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, 50, was a vocal advocate against illegal gold mining, known locally as Galamsey, which has devastated Ghana’s natural environment and polluted vital water bodies. As Minister of Environment, he spearheaded the government’s anti-Galamsey campaign, which became a major political issue during President Mahama’s recent re-election campaign.
The loss of these top government officials and security personnel is a devastating blow to the administration and the country at large. Tributes have been pouring in from across Ghana and beyond, as the nation grapples with the impact of the tragedy.
Authorities have launched investigations into the incident as Ghanaians await answers. Meanwhile, the government has called for calm and unity as the country mourns one of its darkest days in recent history.
