Ghana Presidency Confirms Death of Six Government Officials and Party Representatives in Helicopter Crash

Strategic Insights -

A helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region has claimed the lives of six key government and party officials, including the Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. The officials were on their way to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme when the tragic incident occurred. Among the victims are Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter (surname yet to be confirmed); Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ghana Presidency has confirmed the death of six government officials and party representatives in a helicopter crash on August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
  • The victims included two ministers: Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
  • The officials were traveling to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.
  • Other casualties include Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter (surname yet to be confirmed); Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
  • The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) had earlier announced that one of its helicopters had gone off the radar during a flight from Accra to Obuasi on the morning of August 6.
  • The President has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast in memory of the victims.

Statistics:

  • Two ministers and four senior government officials lost their lives in the helicopter crash.
  • The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6.
  • The officials were traveling to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.
  • The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter, Z9, took off from Accra at 0912hrs and was last seen off the radar.

Sources:

  • Ghana Presidency press briefing, after the incident
  • Ghana Armed Forces statement, August 6, 0912hrs, signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Ahin (Ghana Navy), Acting Director General, Public Relations.