President John Dramani Mahama has directed that all national flags fly at half-mast following the death of several state officials in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

At an emergency press briefing at the Presidency, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced that the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; and the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; were among those killed.

Other victims include former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament; and Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC.

The crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

“The President and the government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country. All flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice,” Debrah said.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the incident, stating the helicopter was flying from Accra to Obuasi when it went off radar before crashing at Adansi Akrofum in the Ashanti Region.

Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft was completely burnt, with all passengers on board perishing in the blaze.

The GAF said the aircraft had three crew members and five passengers on board.

MRA/AE

Presidency confirms death of Omane Boamah, Murtala Ibrahim, others in helicopter crash