Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has disclosed that the military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025, has left the President emotionally down.
The Minister, speaking with JoyNews after a press conference at the Jubilee House, prayed that God grants the President and the entire citizenry the fortitude to bear the loss.
“A tragic departure of our colleagues in the service of our country. They were on their way to Obuasi to launch Cooperative Mining Initiative. The President is down emotionally,” he stated.
“We pray that God will give him the fortitude and the Ghanaian people to accept this loss.”
His comments follow the demise of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, and seven others, including Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who were all on the flight.
In a solemn address Wednesday afternoon, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, announced that all national flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice in honour of those who perished in the crash.
The tragedy occurred in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region and has been described by government officials as a national catastrophe.
“I have the unpleasant duty, sadly, to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr. Debrah stated.
The crash resulted in the deaths of five prominent civilians and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces. Among the deceased are:
- * Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- * Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
- * Muniru Mohammed Lemunade, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
- * Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chair of the National Democratic Congress
- * Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate
The military personnel who also lost their lives have been named as:
- * Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala
- * Flying Officer Manim Twum Ampadu
- * Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensa
In his statement, the Chief of Staff conveyed the deep sorrow of the President and the government.
“The President and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” Mr. Debrah said.
The directive to fly the national flag at half-mast reflects the gravity of the loss and the nation’s collective grief. No further details were provided on the cause of the crash, but investigations are expected to follow.
The entire nation has been plunged nation into mourning, as Ghanaians grapple with the sudden loss of public servants who dedicated their lives to national service and development.
