1. The Flight Begins
On the morning of August 6, 2025, at 09:12 GMT, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9EH helicopter (tail number GHF 631) departed from Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Its destination was Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region, where officials were scheduled to attend an event focused on combating illegal small-scale gold mining (galamsey) .
On board were five passengers—Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye—alongside three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah .
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2. Disappearance from the Radar
Shortly after take-off, the helicopter disappeared from radar while flying over dense forest near Adansi-Brofoyedu (Adansi Akrofuom District) in the Ashanti Region . Eyewitnesses reported unusual low-altitude flying in hazy, foggy conditions; one described a loud bang and suspected that poor visibility played a role .
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3. Rescue Efforts & Recovery
Teams comprising the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana National Fire Service, regional officials, and local residents trekked through thick forest to the crash site in Adansi-Brofoyedu. They found smoldering wreckage; tragically, there were no survivors .
The bodies were badly burned and unrecognizable. Samples were sent to South Africa for DNA analysis to assist identification before returning them to Ghana .
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4. Political & Public Reaction
President John Dramani Mahama declared the crash a “national tragedy”, ordering three days of national mourning and for flags to be flown at half-mast . He also appointed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson as acting Defence Minister .
Condolences poured in from across Africa and beyond. The African Union, ECOWAS, the UN, and countries like Kenya expressed solidarity with Ghana and mourning with the bereaved families .
Professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) and the Ghana Bar Association also paid tribute to the victims, calling them patriotic public servants whose sacrifice should inspire national unity and good governance .
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5. Investigation & Final Honors
The Ghana Armed Forces, along with the Fire Service and other agencies, launched a full inquiry into the crash. They notably recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders (black boxes) .
A state funeral was held on August 15, attended by President Mahama and other dignitaries. It marked the solemn culmination of the national mourning and honored the eight who gave their lives in the service of Ghana .
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Timeline Summary
Date Event
Aug 6, 2025, 09:12 Helicopter departs Accra heading to Obuasi
Shortly after Aircraft goes off radar over Ashanti forest
Later Wreckage found; all eight fatalities confirmed
Following days DNA confirmation; national mourning declared
Aug 15 State funeral for the victims
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This helicopter crash remains one of Ghana’s darkest aviation tragedies in recent memory—an incident that shook the nation, honored its heroes, and reinforced calls for safety, accountability, and unity in governance.
A Story from Start to Finish: Ghana’s Helicopter Crash
