A tragic air disaster has claimed the lives of all eight individuals aboard a Ghana Air Force helicopter that crashed in the Adansi area on Wednesday morning, officials have confirmed.
The Z9 utility helicopter, which departed from Accra at 9:12 a.m. en route to Obuasi, lost radar contact shortly after takeoff. After hours of intensive search efforts, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) announced the aircraft had gone down, with no survivors found.
At a 2:30 p.m. press briefing from the Jubilee House, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the identities of the victims, which include several high-profile figures:
- Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
- Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murturla Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Food and Agriculture
- Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Mr Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter, pilot
- Flying Officer Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The helicopter had a total of eight occupants, comprising five passengers and three crew members. While the specific mission of the flight remains undisclosed, authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing.
The Z9 helicopter is commonly used for transport and medical evacuation missions. It was last tracked over an unspecified location in the Ashanti Region before communication was lost.
Though the cause of the crash has not yet been officially determined, experts have pointed to potential adverse weather conditions or technical failures as possible contributing factors.
The Ghana Armed Forces have appealed to the media to support the dissemination of accurate information as investigations continue. Another detailed press briefing is expected from the presidency later today.
This incident marks one of the deadliest military aviation tragedies in recent Ghanaian history. The nation mourns the loss of prominent leaders and service members whose lives were cut short in the line of duty.
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