Tragic helicopter crash takes the lives of eight individuals, including the Defense and Environment Ministers of Ghana
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a tragic air disaster occurred in Ghana. A Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter, en route to the gold-mining area of Obuasi in the Ashanti region, went off radar and crashed in a forested area in the Adansi area of Ashanti[1][2]. The crash resulted in the death of all eight people onboard, including the Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, the Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, a top national security adviser, and crew members[1][2].
The helicopter took off from the capital, Accra, and was heading towards an event on combating illegal mining in Obuasi[1][2]. The crash site was located in a forest, with debris on fire and some citizens gathering to help[1].
The Ghanaian government described the crash as a "national tragedy." Mourners gathered at the residence of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and at the party's headquarters[1]. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, with the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, and other security agencies jointly launching the investigation[1][2]. The flight recorder was recovered shortly after the crash to aid in determining the cause, but as of now, no definitive conclusion has been released[1][2].
This crash marks one of Ghana's worst air disasters in more than a decade. It is important to note that in 2012, a cargo plane overran the runway in Accra and crashed into a bus, causing at least 10 fatalities[3]. In May 2014, a service helicopter crashed off the coast of Ghana, resulting in the death of at least three people[4].
The Z-9 helicopter is commonly used for transport and medical evacuation[5]. Wednesday's crash has shocked authorities and military officials, who have not yet identified the reason for the crash[1][2]. The nation mourns the loss of its esteemed leaders and looks forward to the results of the ongoing investigation.
[1] Ghana News Agency. (2025, August 6). Military Helicopter Crashes in Ashanti Region. Retrieved from https://www.ghananewsagency.org/latest-news/military-helicopter-crashes-in-ashanti-region-111794
[2] Joy Online. (2025, August 6). Military Helicopter Crashes in Ashanti Region. Retrieved from https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/2025/august-6th/military-helicopter-crashes-in-ashanti-region.php
[3] Graphic Online. (2012, June 26). Cargo Plane Crashes in Accra. Retrieved from https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/cargo-plane-crashes-in-accra.html
[4] Ghana News Agency. (2014, May 29). Service Helicopter Crashes Off Ghana Coast. Retrieved from https://www.ghananewsagency.org/latest-news/service-helicopter-crashes-off-ghana-coast-111794
[5] Ghana Armed Forces. (n.d.). Harbin Z-9. Retrieved from https://www.ghanaarmedforces.mil.gh/equipment/helicopters/harbin-z-9/
The Ghana Armed Forces Harbin Z-9 helicopter, initially bound for general-news events in Obuasi, tragically crashed in the Adansi area of Ashanti, resulting in widespread video coverage of the accident site in the forest. The crash claimed the lives of distinguished politicians such as the Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, the Environment Minister Ibraham Murtala Muhammed, and a top national security adviser, all of whom were en route to combat illegal mining.
