Ghanaian defense, environment ministers killed in helicopter crash
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Ghana’s defense and environment ministers were among eight people killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, prompting a national day of mourning.
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Screengrab from news broadcast showing the helicopter crash on Wednesday (Social media)
Ghana’s defense and environment ministers were among eight people killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, the presidency confirmed, after the Armed Forces reported that the aircraft had vanished from radar with three crew members and five passengers on board.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted an official day of mourning.
Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah had only recently taken up his post following President John Mahama’s inauguration in January. Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was also among those who lost their lives in the crash.
"The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country," said Julius Debrah, Mahama’s chief of staff as authorities confirmed no survivors.
Boamah’s tenure came at a time of growing concern over jihadist unrest across Ghana’s northern border with Burkina Faso.
Victims identified
Edward Omane Boamah, a medical doctor by profession, had a long career in government, including serving as communications minister during President John Mahama’s 2012–2017 administration. Prior to that, he was the deputy minister for the environment.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Ghana Armed Forces reported that an Air Force helicopter had gone off radar shortly after taking off from Accra around 9:00 am, en route to the town of Obuasi, northwest of the capital. The military said three crew members and five passengers were on board, but initially did not disclose that government ministers were among them.
Among the victims were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Ghana’s deputy national security coordinator and former agriculture minister, and Samuel Sarpong, vice chairman of Mahama’s National Democratic Congress party.
Boamah had recently led a delegation to Burkina Faso in May, as Ghana stepped up diplomatic efforts with the juntas now ruling Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, countries that have broken ties with the ECOWAS regional bloc.
He was also preparing to release a book titled "A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy," about the late President John Atta Mills, who passed away in 2012.
Following the tragedy, all flags in Ghana were ordered to fly at half-staff. President Mahama cancelled all official engagements for the day in mourning.
