Helicopter crash in Ghana kills defense minister, other officials

A military helicopter crash in southern Ghana has killed the defense minister, environment minister, and several other officials.

A Ghanaian Z9 military helicopter carrying 8 people, including 3 crew members and 5 passengers, took off from the capital Accra on the morning of 6/8, headed for the town of Obuasi in the Ashanti region. The aircraft later disappeared from radar.

Images posted on social media showed the helicopter wreckage in a forested area, broken into pieces and on fire. Smoke continued to rise as people approached the scene.

The scene of the military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region, Ghana, on 6/8. Photo: JoyNews

The scene of the military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region, Ghana, on 6/8. Photo: JoyNews

Julius Debrah, chief of staff to Ghana's president, confirmed that all aboard the helicopter were killed, including Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed and Samuel Sarpong, vice chairman of President John Mahama’s National Democratic Congress party, were also among the victims.

The Ghanaian government described the incident as a "national tragedy" and announced that flags would be flown at half-mast. "The president and government extend their deepest condolences to the families of those who died serving the nation," Debrah said.

Boamah became defense minister earlier this year, shortly after President Mahama was sworn in for his current term in January. He previously served as communications minister during Mahama’s 2012-2017 presidency, and as deputy environment minister.