Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, has unfortunately passed away in a tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region today.

Per reports reaching The Independent Ghana indicate that the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has also passed away.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter. Z9 that took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi is currently off the radar.

Eight people were on board—3 crew members and 5 passengers.

“All efforts are being made to establish contact,” the Ghana Armed Forces announced in a statement

Last year, a Ghana Air Force helicopter crash-landed in Bonsokrom, within the Ahanta West Municipality in the Western Region.

Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter, which was reportedly carrying 14 individuals, including staff from the Petroleum sector regulators, landed in a bush near the Bonsokrom community.

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, all personnel and crew onboard the aircraft were safe.

“All passengers on board have been accounted for and there were no fatalities. However, they have been evacuated and are currently undergoing routine medical checkups,” the Ghana Armed Forces indicated in a statement.

The crash site was cordoned off from public access by Air Force personnel.

Stay tuned for further updates…