By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), Aug 7, GNA – Residents in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region are mourning the death of eight persons who were confirmed dead in a tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
Among the victims were two ministers of state.
The victims were on board a military helicopter heading to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for a national assignment when the incident occurred.
The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology; Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, an Engineer.
The news of the helicopter crash has sent shockwaves throughout Ghana, with many citizens in Keta expressing their condolences to the families of the victims while the incident was described as a national catastrophe with tributes pouring in for the fallen heroes.
Mr. Gabriel Anakpa, a retired teacher at Abor, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), expressed deepest sorrow about the tragic incident and urged that public remain calm for the authorities to launch forensic and thorough investigation into the horrific accident.
“While the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, the incident raises concern about the safety of military helicopters and the need for a thorough investigation,” he said.
He urged the government to as a matter of urgency conduct a comprehensive emergency investigation into the crash to reveal the cause, and prevent similar incidents in the future to safeguard the lives of both civilians, government officials and the military personnel.
He said other reports had it that President John Mahama was initially supposed to be on the same flight, but cancelled the flight due equally other important meetings
“The incident sparkled concerns about the potential consequences if the President had been on board,” he said.
Mr. Anakpa explained that the victims of the helicopter crash would be remembered for their contributions to the development of the country with Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were highly respected in their fields, and their passing has left a void in the country.
Madam Bridget Asamani, a civil servant, said that the loss of the prominent figures in the crash was a significant blow to the country’s development.
Meanwhile, the helicopter crash has plunged the whole country into mourning, with many citizens paying tribute to the fallen heroes with government expressing its condolences to the families of the victims and has promised to provide support during this difficult time.
Some other residents said that the contributions of the two ministers to various sectors, such as defense, environment, science, technology, and innovation, would be deeply missed.
President John Dramani Mahama has since ordered a state mourning, beginning on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with the national flag to fly at half-mast in the honour of victims.
The Government has further asked that, out of respect to the individuals involved in the crash, all citizens should immediately stop circulating videos and photos of the burning bodies of victims and delete such copies on various social media platforms.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah