GJA Mourns Eight Officials Killed in Helicopter Crash, Urges Responsible Media Coverage

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic death of five senior government officials and three members of the Ghana Air Force in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi District of the Ashanti Region.

In a statement signed by GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the Association said it stood in “solemn solidarity with the nation in this moment of great national loss”, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the President, the Government of Ghana, and the Ghana Armed Forces.

According to the GJA, the victims were on a mission to tackle illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) — a critical national challenge — when the aircraft went down. The statement described the fallen officials as “gallant servants of the nation” whose dedication to integrity, service, and progress should be remembered even in this period of mourning.

The Association recalled its cordial relations with two of the deceased — Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former Minister for Communications, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, former Deputy Minister of Information — noting their contributions to fostering cooperation between the media and government.

Commending the efforts of security, emergency, and hospital personnel who responded to the crash, the GJA praised their professionalism in recovering the remains of the victims and handling the aftermath despite the emotional toll.

The Association also issued a strong appeal to journalists and media houses to exercise “the highest level of professionalism and empathy” in covering the tragedy. It urged reporters to refrain from circulating graphic images of the crash, describing such actions as “highly insensitive and a direct violation of our code of ethics.”

In honour of the deceased, the GJA announced the suspension of all planned activities until further notice.

“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.