Ghana Armed Forces Harbin Z‑9 military helicopter crashed in the Adansi‑Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while carrying eight individuals on an official mission to Obuasi. The crash claimed the lives of all on board, including Ghana’s Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed  .

Also killed were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Air Force crew members—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum‑Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah  .

The tragic incident has been officially confirmed as a “national tragedy” by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who spoke on behalf of the President, underlining the profound grieving sweeping the nation  . President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across Ghana  .

A solemn reception took place at the Air Force Base in Accra when the flag-draped caskets were brought in, attended by military officials and government dignitaries under tight security and with military honors  .

In response, the Ghana National Fire Service and other agencies have launched a full investigation, aiming to determine the crash’s cause—which remains undetermined—and to forestall such tragedies in the future  .

Throughout the day, a wave of condolences and tributes poured in from across the country. Ghanaian lawmakers, party leaders, embassies, the African Union, and international figures expressed deep sorrow and solidarity, describing the moment as devastating and heartbreaking  . The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council also called the incident a “national tragedy,” offering prayers and support to the grieving families  .

This remains one of Ghana’s worst air disasters in over a decade and a stark reminder of the risks faced by public servants in duty to their nation.