Two strategic Ghanaian ministers Defence and Environment died in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, the Ghanaian presidency confirmed.
The two ministers Edward Omane Boamah (Defence)and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed ( environment )died in the central Ashanti region just hours after the armed forces reported that a helicopter carrying three crew members and five passengers lost contact and disappeared from the radar.
The tragic helicopter had taken off from the capital, Accra, at 09:12 local time (and GMT) and was heading to the town of Obuasi for an event to tackle illegal mining.
Authorities have confirmed that all eight individuals onboard the helicopter perished in the crash. The nation mourns the loss of two key leaders in this tragic accident.
“The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” said Mahama’s chief of staff Julius Debrah.
In the immediate aftermath of the accident, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, directed the country’s flags to fly at half-mast.
Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed was also among the dead, along with Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress party.
The crew members were named as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Edward Omane Boamah had been appointed Defence Minister earlier this year by President John Mahama, shortly after his inauguration in January. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was serving as Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology at the time.
Boamah was helming Ghana’s defence ministry at a time when jihadist activity across its northern border in Burkina Faso has become increasingly restive.
