Ghana’s military helicopter crash kills ministers of defence and environment

A Ghanaian military helicopter en route from Accra to Obuasi has crashed, claiming the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as a “national tragedy” as the nation mourns the loss of the senior officials.

The helicopter, identified as Z9, took off from Accra at 9:12 a.m. before vanishing from radar, according to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces cited by the Accra-based broadcaster.

The cause of the helicopter crash remains unconfirmed. In response to the tragedy, Ghana’s Chief of Staff has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.

Among those confirmed dead are Muniru Mohammed, Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The helicopter crew members were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Boamah, who previously served as Communications Minister and Minister of Environment under Mahama, had been leading efforts against growing jihadist threats along Ghana’s northern border with Burkina Faso.

Muniru Mohammed was a key figure in Ghana’s fight against illegal gold mining, known locally as Galamsey, a practice that has devastated the environment and polluted water bodies.