Joyce Sim Bala
The Ghana High Commission in Abuja has opened a Book of Condolence to pay tribute to the lives lost in a tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. The crash claimed the lives of two government ministers, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, along with six others.
Those affected are Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP), Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Umuna Muniru, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate, others include the Ghana Armed Forces Crew Members: they include Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The helicopter, a Z-9 military aircraft, crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while en route to Obuasi for an official event focused on combating illegal mining and environmental issues. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway, with the Ghana Air Force temporarily grounding all Z-9 helicopters pending inspection.
The Book of Condolence is available at the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, located at Plot 301, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria. Sympathizers can sign the book from Friday, August 7, 2025, to Tuesday, August 12, 2025, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm each day. Alternatively, condolence messages can be submitted to sbuje@mta.gov.gh.
In honor of the deceased, President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, with flags across the country flying at half-mast. The international community has extended condolences to the government and people of Ghana, with leaders such as President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressing their deepest sympathies.
