President Mahama Orders National Mourning as Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Top Government Officials

President John Dramani Mahama has declared that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the high-ranking state officials and military personnel who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash earlier today.

The announcement was made during an emergency press briefing at the Jubilee House, where Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed that several senior government officials, including the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, were among the victims of the fatal incident.

Also on board was Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Ashanti Regional Minister and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who also perished in the crash. Other notable victims include Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament and NDC parliamentary candidate.

The three-member aircrew also lost their lives. They were identified as:

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
• Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

“The President and the government extend our deepest condolences to the families of our comrades and the service personnel who died in service to the nation. As a mark of respect, all national flags are to be flown at half-mast until further notice,” Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed earlier in the day that the Z9 military helicopter had gone missing after taking off from Accra at 9:12 a.m., en route to Obuasi. The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact shortly after departure and was later confirmed to have crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region.

Eyewitnesses reported a fiery crash, stating that the helicopter was burned beyond recognition, along with the eight individuals on board. According to the GAF, the aircraft was carrying three crew members and five passengers at the time of the incident.

A formal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, with initial concerns pointing to potential weather complications or technical failure. The presidency is expected to provide further updates as more details become available.

This tragedy marks a dark day in Ghana’s history, with the loss of prominent leaders and brave servicemen sending shockwaves across the nation.