The fatal Z-9 helicopter crash, which claimed eight lives, including five top government officials and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces, has left the country with no airworthy military aircraft currently.

This suggests that the remaining helicopters in the military’s fleet may not be airworthy enough for official travel at this time.

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This was made known by a retired military officer, Col Festus Aboagye, when he appeared on TV3’s Talking Points on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

According to him, “Out of the 6 Z-9s that we have, only one was airworthy. And that is what has crashed.”

His statement comes in the wake of the tragedy, which has plunged the entire nation into mourning.

The victims of the helicopter crash met their tragic fate on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, while en route to Obuasi to attend a mining-related event.

Among the victims on board the helicopter was the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister and current NDC First Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong; Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO.

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The crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

They were laid to rest in a state burial on Friday, August 15, 2025, where the three crew members were posthumously promoted by President John Dramani Mahama.

MAG/AE

Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below: