Ghana Helicopter Crash Kills Defence, Environment Ministers, Top Officials

A military helicopter crash in Ghana killed all eight people on board, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and several other high-ranking officials such as the deputy national security coordinator and the vice chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress. The Z-9 helicopter lost radar contact shortly after departing Accra en route to Obuasi for an event focused on illegal mining, a significant environmental and economic issue in the country. The wreckage was found in a heavily forested area of the Adansi Akrofuom district in the Ashanti region, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Ghana’s government described the incident as a national tragedy, with President John Mahama suspending official activities for the week and extending condolences to the families of the deceased. This crash marks one of the worst air disasters in Ghana in over a decade, raising concerns amid ongoing security challenges at the country’s northern borders. Eyewitnesses reported the helicopter was found aflame, and state media noted that these helicopters are commonly used for transport and medical evacuation missions.