August 6 helicopter crash report to be published today

The full report on the August 6 helicopter crash will be released to the public on Tuesday, following its presentation to the National Security Council on Monday.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications, disclosed that the findings come after a detailed investigation chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul‑Osman Razak, with support from the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and international experts.

The Harbin Z‑9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District after departing Accra at 09:12 on August 6.

The aircraft was en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region on an anti‑illegal‑mining operation when it lost radar contact.

All eight occupants perished, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, NDC Vice‑Chair Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Kwakye Ofosu indicated that the media briefing on Tuesday will provide comprehensive details, including the investigation’s findings.

“Very important week coming up. Tomorrow [November 10], the report of the August 6 Helicopter tragedy will be presented to the National Security Council. On Tuesday, the details of the report will be made public at a media briefing,” he posted on X on Sunday, November 9.

The Mahama government seeks to provide transparency and lessons from the incident, which has deeply affected both government operations and the nation.

On August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z‑9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The aircraft had departed Accra at around 09:12 that morning, heading to Obuasi on an anti‑illegal‑mining mission, when it lost radar contact.

All eight people on board died in the crash.

This incident was a major national tragedy, claiming the lives of senior government officials and military personnel involved in the mission against illegal mining.

In the last few weeks, opposition politicians have criticised President John Mahama for not replacing the Defence Minister, the late Dr. Omane Boamah, following the tragic incident.

They argue that the lack of a substantive minister in the Defense Ministry threatens national security.