Accra: The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has joined the nation in mourning the tragic loss of eight lives, including two ministers of state, in the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash.
According to Ghana News Agency, a release signed by the General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, and copied to the agency, stated that the port authority stands in solemn solidarity with the Presidency, the affected Ministries, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the bereaved families as the country comes to terms with this painful tragedy. The release highlighted the GPHA's gesture of flying the national flag at half-mast across all its installations to honor the devoted service of those who lost their lives.
The helicopter involved, a Ghana Air Force Z-9, tragically crashed in the Adansi-Akrofuom District. The eight national officers aboard were en route to Obuasi to participate in the formal launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme. This initiative is a flagship effort aimed at combating illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as 'galamsey,' and promoting responsible, skill-based mining practices.
Among the deceased were two cabinet ministers-Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The other six included Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, a former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In response to the tragedy, the government declared a three-day period of national mourning effective August 7, 2025, and commenced a public laying of flowers at the Jubilee House Ceremonial Garden.
