Some eyewitnesses have shared chilling accounts of the moments leading up to last Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and other top government officials.
According to residents of a nearby farming community, the Z-9 military helicopter was seen flying unusually low shortly before the crash. They reported hearing an unfamiliar “loud, sputtering sound” from the aircraft, prompting many to stop what they were doing and look up.
“I was in my farm when I heard the sound of the chopper. It was flying lower than I had ever seen before. Then, suddenly, there was a sharp turn, and it seemed to be struggling to stay in the air,” one eyewitness recounted.
Another resident said they saw what looked like smoke trailing from the helicopter moments before it descended rapidly. “It wasn’t like the normal smooth flight we usually see. It felt like something was wrong. Then we heard a loud bang, and smoke rose from the forest area,” he added.
Security sources have confirmed that the crash site was immediately cordoned off to allow investigators to begin work. A joint team of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Air Force has launched a full investigation into the cause of the tragedy, with the aircraft’s black box expected to provide crucial details.
The ill-fated flight was transporting high-ranking officials to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP). The victims included:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah – Minister of Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, NDC
Samuel Aboagye – Deputy Director-General, NADMO
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The accident has thrown the nation into deep mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum. President John Mahama has described the tragedy as “a dark day in Ghana’s history,” while calling for patience as the investigation proceeds.
President Mahama further announced that a remembrance service would be held for the crash victims on 15th August, 2025.
Source: TheDotNews