The nation was plunged into mourning on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, following the tragic crash of a military helicopter, Z9, which burst into flames in a wooded area near Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region.

The aircraft was carrying a crew of three and five passengers, all of whom perished in the accident.

Among the victims were the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane-Boamah; the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; Vice-Chair of the NDC, Dr Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

BoG's quarter-ounce gold sells at GH¢9,853.59 on August 8

The helicopter had departed Accra at 09:12am en route to Obuasi when it went off radar and could no longer be tracked.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, the business community has joined in expressing heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines expressed profound sorrow over the loss, recalling its close collaboration with the late ministers in the fight against illegal mining.

The Chamber stated that the leadership of Dr Omane-Boamah and Dr Murtala Mohammed was instrumental in the success of the multi-stakeholder approach adopted to curb illegal mining, and their absence will be deeply felt across the sector.

Several other institutions and associations have also commiserated with the bereaved families, including the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG), the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana, the Peasant Farmers Association, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, and the Ghana Association of Bankers.

Acting AIB Ghana Commissioner lays flowers in memory of helicopter crash victims

Meanwhile, the helicopter’s flight data recorder, commonly referred to as the “black box,” though it is typically bright orange has been recovered.

The device stores critical flight information and will assist investigators in determining whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or human error.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra to honour the eight individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

Here are the list of institutions and associations that have commiserated with the bereaved families:

Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana

Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA)

Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG)

Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana

Peasant Farmers Association

Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association

Ghana Association of Bankers

Bank of Ghana

Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana

Tobinco Group of Companies

Asanko Gold Ghana Limited

SA/MA

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