Keta: Residents in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region are mourning the death of eight persons who were confirmed dead in a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. Among the victims were two ministers of state.
According to Ghana News Agency, the victims were on board a military helicopter heading to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for a national assignment when the incident occurred. The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology; Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, an Engineer.
The news of the helicopter crash has sent shockwaves throughout Ghana, with many citizens in Keta expressing their condolences to the families of the victims while the incident was described as a national catastrophe with tributes pouring in for the fallen heroes. Mr. Gabriel Anakpa, a retired teacher at Abor, expressed sorrow about the tragic incident and urged the public to remain calm as authorities launch a forensic investigation into the accident.
While the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, the incident raises concern about the safety of military helicopters. Mr. Anakpa urged the government to conduct a comprehensive emergency investigation into the crash to reveal the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
He mentioned reports that President John Mahama was initially supposed to be on the same flight but cancelled due to other important meetings. The incident sparked concerns about the potential consequences if the President had been on board.
Mr. Anakpa noted that the victims would be remembered for their contributions to the country's development, with Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed being highly respected in their fields. Madam Bridget Asamani, a civil servant, remarked that the loss of the prominent figures in the crash was a significant blow to the country's development.
The helicopter crash has plunged the country into mourning, with many citizens paying tribute to the fallen heroes. The government expressed its condolences to the families and promised support during this difficult time. Residents noted that the contributions of the ministers to sectors such as defense, environment, science, and technology would be deeply missed.
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a state mourning, beginning on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with the national flag to fly at half-mast in honor of the victims. The Government has also asked citizens to refrain from circulating videos and photos of the victims on social media platforms.
