Ghana is in mourning following the tragic deaths of top government officials and military personnel in a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. The incident, which occurred earlier today, has been officially confirmed by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, during a press briefing at Jubilee House.
The Ghana Armed Forces helicopter, which was carrying a high-level government delegation and three crew members, crashed into a forested area near Adansi Akrofuom shortly after taking off from Accra. According to military sources, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control minutes after departure.
The officials were on their way to attend the official launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Sustainable Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi. The programme was part of a broader government initiative aimed at promoting responsible community-based mining and skills development in the natural resources sector.
The crash claimed the lives of several prominent individuals, including Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); and Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate. Also on board were three military crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (pilot), Flying Officer Twum Aug-Ampadu (co-pilot), and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah (crew member).
Eyewitnesses in Adansi Akrofuom described hearing a loud explosion and seeing thick smoke rising from the forest. Emergency response teams arrived swiftly but were unable to save any of the passengers. The wreckage was found in flames, and several of the bodies were reportedly burned beyond recognition.
Speaking to the press, Hon. Julius Debrah described the crash as a “national tragedy of immense proportions.” He announced that President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period, during which all flags will fly at half-mast across the country.
“We have lost some of our finest public servants—men and women who have dedicated their lives to building this nation. This is a moment of great sorrow for all Ghanaians,” the Chief of Staff stated.
The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary information points to possible technical failure, though investigations are still at an early stage.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the country, with political leaders, religious bodies, and civil society expressing shock and sorrow over the tragic loss.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
By Julius Blay JABS
