Helicopter tragedy: Mahama assures full, transparent investigation
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Ghana Armed Forces has launched a full and transparent investigation into the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Delivering a national address on August 7, President Mahama described the deceased officials as “gallant men” who served Ghana with distinction.
“As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important,” he said. “I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.”
The President revealed that an Investigative Board of Inquiry has been established to determine the cause of the incident. He also confirmed that both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder have been recovered to aid the inquiry.
President Mahama further disclosed that the remains of all eight victims have been retrieved. He assured the nation that the government is working closely with the bereaved families to assist with identification processes and to support funeral arrangements.
“In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians – united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity, and now, shared sorrow,” he said. “Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.”
The tragic helicopter crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6, leaving the nation in mourning and prompting widespread tributes to the victims.
Among the eight victims were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The nation remains in a state of mourning, with tributes continuing to pour in from leaders, institutions, and citizens. Earlier in the day, a solemn flower-laying ceremony was held at the Ceremonial Gardens of Jubilee House in honour of the deceased.
The flower-laying ceremony had in attendance President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, members of the security services, family members, and citizens who came together in solidarity to honour the departed.
