The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that it is working closely with other security agencies to investigate the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior government ministers.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. Among the deceased are Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Also confirmed dead in the crash were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as well as crew members who perished in the crash include Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Speaking to the media, GNFS Head of Public Relations, Desmond Ackah, noted that the cause of the crash is yet to be established. However, a full-scale investigation is currently underway.
“For crashes of this nature, it does not warrant the response of the GNFS alone. A lot of factors are involved. We operate under an interagency framework and are heavily involved, particularly in rescue efforts, extrication, and managing fire hazards,” he explained.
Preliminary reports indicate that the victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft suddenly disappeared from radar. Emergency response teams were swiftly dispatched to the crash site.
Grim images and videos showed the charred remains of the helicopter and its occupants, underscoring the severity of the incident.
The tragedy drew an immediate response from top government officials. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining event nearby, abandoned the programme and rushed to the scene upon receiving the news.
In honour of the fallen, the government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast. Investigations are expected to continue in the coming days to determine the exact cause of the crash.
