AU mourns Ghana helicopter crash victims, pledges full solidarity

The African Union Commission has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two high-profile government ministers in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.

In a statement released on Tuesday, August 6, 2025, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, conveyed his condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families.

“I have learned with deep sorrow of the tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana, which claimed the lives of eight people,” the statement read. “The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”

Among the victims were Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The crash also claimed the lives of Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Three crew members also perished in the crash: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

### Background

The crash occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control and went off radar.

Emergency response teams quickly moved to the site, where the wreckage was discovered. Graphic images obtained by Citi News showed charred remains at the scene, confirming the severity of the incident. However, officials have yet to release a full list of victims or disclose details about any possible survivors.

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining event nearby, reportedly abandoned the programme and rushed to the crash site upon hearing the news.

In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that search and recovery operations were underway, and investigations had commenced into the cause of the crash, which remains unknown. This marks Ghana’s second military helicopter incident in recent years. In March 2024, a similar crash in the Western Region ended without fatalities.

The AU Chairperson extended his support not only to the families of the victims but also to the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress during this period of mourning.