In a Week of Aviation Tragedies, 12 Lives Lost in Algeria and Ghana

Algeria – Civil Protection Aircraft Crash in Jijel

Date: August 5, 2025

Location: Ferhat Abbas Airport, Jijel Province, Algeria

Casualties: 4 confirmed dead

A training flight ended in disaster on Tuesday, August 5, when a Zlin reconnaissance aircraft operated by Algeria’s Civil Protection Unit crashed during a routine exercise at Ferhat Abbas Airport, located in Jijel, approximately 350 kilometers east of Algiers.

According to Algerian state media and Civil Protection sources, all four occupants were killed instantly. The victims included:

• Two Algerian Civil Protection Officers


• One Trainee Pilot


• One Chilean national, believed to be an aviation instructor or aircraft company representative

The crash occurred either just before landing or during descent. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden dive and explosion. Emergency services responded quickly, but there were no survivors.

The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that an official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities are exploring possibilities such as mechanical failure or pilot error.

“This tragic incident reminds us of the risks our first responders and training staff undertake daily,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Ghana – Military Helicopter Crash Claims 8 Lives, Including Ministers

Date: August 6, 2025

Location: Near Obuasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana

Casualties: 8 confirmed dead

On Wednesday, August 6, Ghana experienced one of its worst military aviation disasters in recent history. A Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed while en route from Accra to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, killing all on board.

The helicopter took off from Air Force Base Accra shortly after 9:00 a.m. local time. Contact was lost during the flight, and the wreckage was discovered later in a forested area near Obuasi.

The eight victims included:

Government Officials:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence


• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation


• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Political Figures:

• Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC)


• Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate

Crew Members:

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot


• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Co-pilot


• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Flight Engineer

President John Dramani Mahama declared a national day of mourning and suspended all official duties. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah also ordered that flags across the country be flown at half-mast.

“We have lost some of the most brilliant minds serving our nation,” President Mahama said in a televised address.

The Ghana Armed Forces and Ministry of National Security have launched a formal investigation. Initial reports indicate that weather was not a contributing factor, and mechanical failure is being considered.

Two Crashes, One Tragic Week

Within 24 hours, Algeria and Ghana were each struck by separate but equally devastating air disasters. Together, the crashes claimed 12 lives and raised critical questions about aircraft safety, protocol, and maintenance.

In Algeria, the incident occurred during a Civil Protection training exercise and involved an international aviation professional. In Ghana, the loss included two sitting cabinet ministers and key figures in national security and political leadership.

International Reactions and Ongoing Investigations

Condolences have poured in from across Africa and the global community. The African Union, UN bodies, and foreign governments have expressed solidarity with both countries.

• Chile has confirmed it is coordinating with Algerian authorities regarding the repatriation of the Chilean national’s remains.


• Ghanaian Parliament will hold a special memorial session for the victims.


• Both Algeria and Ghana have initiated comprehensive investigations, with final reports expected in the coming weeks.