The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has verified its collaboration with other security agencies to probe the disastrous military helicopter crash that took the lives of eight people, including two senior government ministers. The accident happened on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Also deceased in the crash are Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Aboagye, ex-parliamentary candidate, Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), along with crew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In a statement, GNFS Public Relations Head Desmond Ackah said the crash’s cause is still undetermined but investigations are in progress. “For accidents of this kind, it requires more than just GNFS response. Many factors come into play. We conduct interagency operations, playing a significant role in rescue, extrication, and managing fire risks,” he explained. Initial reports indicate the victims were on a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter headed to Obuasi when the aircraft abruptly lost contact. Rescue teams were promptly sent to the crash site. Disturbing images and videos from Citi News depicted the scorched remnants of the aircraft and victims.
The tragedy triggered a swift response from top officials. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene halted an anti-illegal mining event nearby to rush to the crash scene upon hearing the news. The government subsequently ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast to honor the deceased. Probes are anticipated to continue in the coming days to ascertain the precise cause of the crash.
