Helicopter Crash in Ghana Kills Defence Minister and Six Others

UPDATE: A tragic helicopter crash in Ghana has claimed the lives of eight individuals, including key government officials, just hours ago. The military helicopter went down late on July 5, 2023, shortly after departing from the capital, Accra, en route to the gold-mining region of Obuasi.

The crash, described as one of the deadliest air disasters in Ghana in over a decade, resulted in the deaths of Edward Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Environment Minister, alongside four other crew members. Also among the deceased are Samuel Sarpong, Vice-chair of the National Democratic Congress, and national security advisor Muniru Mohammed.

Videos circulating online depict the helicopter wreckage engulfed in flames in a remote forest area of the Ashtani region. Witnesses reported seeing smoke and debris, leading to urgent rescue efforts. However, no survivors have been reported from the crash site.

Authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the cause of the incident, which remains unknown at this time. The military confirmed that the helicopter, a Z-9 model typically used for transport and medical evacuations, had been considered safe.

The Ghanaian government has labeled this crash a “national tragedy,” prompting a wave of mourning across the country. Grieving citizens gathered at the residences of the deceased ministers and the headquarters of the ruling party in Accra to pay their respects.

Ghana has a relatively strong aviation safety record, ranking among the highest in Africa. This incident marks a significant setback, with the last major air disaster occurring in 2014, which resulted in three fatalities.

As the investigation unfolds, officials are urging the public to remain calm and patient while they work to uncover the details surrounding this devastating accident. Authorities will be closely monitoring the situation, and updates are expected in the coming hours.

This tragic event not only impacts the families of the victims but also resonates deeply within the Ghanaian community and the political landscape of the nation. As the country grapples with this loss, the focus will now shift to understanding how such a catastrophic event could occur.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The nation mourns, and the world watches closely.