President John Dramani Mahama has called off all official engagements for the rest of the week following the devastating military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Among the victims were two Cabinet Ministers — Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who also served as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
The crash also claimed the lives of Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Air Force.
A statement signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced a three-day period of national mourning starting Thursday, August 7.
“President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all his scheduled activities and programmes for the remainder of the week, following Wednesday’s national tragedy involving a helicopter crash that claimed eight lives,” the statement said.
The government has also instructed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims until further notice.
The passengers were reportedly on an official assignment to Obuasi when their military helicopter lost radar contact and crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region. Authorities have launched investigations to determine the cause of the incident.
Omane Boamah, Murtala Muhammed, 6 others dead in GAF helicopter crash
