Adnan Adams Mohammed
Following the devastating national tragedy that shook Ghana in the helicopter crash that claimed all eight people aboard including two Ministers of State and six other prominent officials and military officers.
Many nationals and international bodies have sent their condolence messages to Ghana. Among them are the United Nations, African Union, Islamic Republic of Iran, United State of America, Germany and Indonesia.
This comes as the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has declared a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday, August 7, 2025, in honour of the fallen state officials.
In a statement signed by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President also announced the suspension of all his official activities for the rest of the week as the nation comes to terms with the heartbreaking loss.
Among the deceased are key public figures, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and Deputy Director-General of Protocol and Relief at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Samuel Aboagye.
The Ghana Air Force crew members who perished have been identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Chief of Staff receives remains of helicopter crash victims
The Ghana Armed Forces solemnly welcomed the bodies of personnel who perished in the tragic helicopter crash during a routine mission
A solemn and emotionally charged atmosphere enveloped the Air Force Base in Accra on Wednesday night as the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, led a high-powered government delegation to receive the mortal remains of the eight flown in from the crash site in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, accompanied by heavy military escort and dignified silence.
As the coffins—each draped in the red, gold, green, and black star of the national flag—were offloaded from the military aircraft, grief was etched on every face.
The Chief of Staff stood alongside senior military commanders, ministers of state, party executives, and members of the clergy to formally receive the bodies.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the eight individuals who lost their lives while on duty for their country.
Ghanaians are united in sorrow
Across the country, Ghanaians have continued to express their shock and sorrow.
Vigils have sprung up spontaneously in communities, while thousands have taken to social media to pay tribute and call for support for the bereaved families.
The military and relevant civil aviation authorities have commenced investigations into the cause of the crash.
As the remains of the eight national heroes lie in state, Ghana pauses to mourn—not just the lives lost, but the ideals of service, courage, and patriotism that they embodied.
The state awaits announcement of funeral arrangements from the presidency.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGES:
Council of State Message
Read full statement from the Council of State:
Message of Condolence on the Tragic Helicopter Crash in Adansi Akrofuom District.
The Council of State has learned with deep sorrow and profound shock of the tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, 6th August 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of eight patrotic Ghanaians.
The deceased are:
1. Hon. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Minister for Defence
2. Hon. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
3. Dr. Samuel Sarpong – National Vice Chairman of the NDC
4. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
5. Mr.Samuel Aboagye – Former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
6. Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
7. Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo
This heartbreaking incident is a national tragedy and a painful loss to the entire nation.
The Council of State extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Government and people of Ghana, Parliament of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the leadership and membership of the NDC. We share in the grief and mourn the loss of these patriotic individuals who served our country with honour, diligence, and devotion and paid the ultimate price in the course of duty.
At this moment of national mourning, we call on all Ghanaians to unite in prayer and solidarity, and to uphold the values of service and sacrifice that these fallen heroes embodied. May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their families find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Dated this 6th day of August 2025
Signed,
RT. HON. DOE ADJAНО
CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE
African Union Message:
Statement by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the Tragic Helicopter Crash in Ghana
August 06, 2025
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has 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, including Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Hon. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The Chairperson conveys his heartfelt condolences to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families of all those who lost their lives in this national tragedy. He also expresses his solidarity with the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress during this difficult time.
H.E. Mr. Youssouf stated, “The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
U.S. Government Message:
U.S. Department of State: Bureau of African Affairs
“The United States expresses its condolences to President John Dramani Mahama and the people and government of Ghana on the eight tragic deaths in today’s helicopter crash. We are united in prayer for the families of the victims and the people of Ghana.” -Tammy Bruce Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State
United Nations (UN) Message:
MOURNING OF THE GHANA AIRFORCE HELICOPTER TRAGEDY
It is with profound sorrow that we receive the tragic news of the fatal crash involving the Ghana Airforce Z9 helicopter, claiming the lives of distinguished Government of Ghana officials, including the Honourable Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and the Honourable Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
The United Nations family in Ghana mourns with the nation in this moment of deep grief. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and to the Government and people of Ghana, as we together face this painful loss. This tragedy is not only a national wound but also a loss felt across the international community.
We stand united at this time of mourning. We honour the memory of all those who have passed, with hope for their lasting peace.
ZIA CHOUDHURY
UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana
Germany Government Message:
Germany stands in grief and solidarity with Ghana
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy that the German Embassy in Accra has learned of the tragic loss of lives in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government, families and friends of the victims.
Among the victims are honourable public servants, including two ministers, with whom the German Embassy has worked closely and trustfully. Their dedication to Ghana’s development, their vision, and their personal warmth will be deeply missed.
Germany stands in grief and solidarity with the people of Ghana during this difficult time.
Signed
German Embassy Accra
Iran Message:
Iran offers condolences to Ghana over helicopter crash
In a post on his X account on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei wrote, “We extend our deep condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic helicopter crash in #Ghana, including Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed in the Adansi area of Ashanti.”
Condoling to the families of victims of this tragic incident including defense and environment ministers of Ghana, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman expressed his sympathy with the government and people of Ghana.
Indonesian government mourns with Ghana
The Indonesian government has extended heartfelt condolences to the government, bereaved families and the citizenry on the death of 8 individuals in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday, 6th August 2025.
The Indonesian Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Ghana, H.E. Paskal A. B. Rois described the tragic death of the eight as a great loss to Africa and allies of Ghana across the world, including Indonesia.
“Their loss is not only a national tragedy for Ghana but a great loss to the African continent and to nations like Indonesia that share strong diplomatic and developmental bonds with Ghana”, he said in a communique he issued on behalf of the Indonesian government.
Mr. Rois said the “heartbreaking event has deeply shaken us” and eulogised the deceased as devoted personalities who served with distinction and honour in their line of duty, exhibiting “a true spirit of patriotism.”
“As we extend our prayers and support, we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the Republic of Ghana and the families affected by this irreparable loss. May their souls rest in eternal peace”, he concluded.
