Deceased were gallant servants on a mission to address illegal mining – GJA mourns

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed its heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and families of the eight individuals who lost their lives in the fatal helicopter crash while en route to Obuasi for an event.

According to the President of the Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, in a statement on August 7, 2025, the demise of the individuals, including five high-ranking government officials and a three-member crew of the Ghana Air Force, is a great loss to the nation.

“The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is absolutely devastated by the tragic death of five high-ranking government officials and a three-member crew of the Ghana Airforce in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi District in the Ashanti Region. Our heart is heavy with grief, and we stand in solemn solidarity with the nation in this moment of great national loss.

“The GJA extends deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved, especially their spouses and children; the President of the Republic and the Government of Ghana, and the Ghana Armed Forces, who are now contending with unimaginable pain and grief for their loss. We pray for God's divine strength and comfort to envelop them during this incredibly difficult time,” portions of the statement read.

Kwabena Dwumfour, describing them as “gallant servants,” underscored the importance of honoring their memory, stating that they died in the line of duty while contributing to efforts to address the issue of illegal mining.

“The deceased were gallant servants of the nation who were on a mission to address a critical challenge facing the nation currently - illegal small-scale mining popularly known as galamsey – before the unfortunate incident occurred. That is why even in this moment of downheartedness, we need to extol their virtues and dedication to the ideals of integrity, service and progress of Mother Ghana,” the statement said.

The GJA further commended officials for their role in the aftermath of the crash, particularly in ensuring the recovery and retrieval of the victims from the Ashanti Region to Accra.

“We take this opportunity to highly commend security, emergency and hospital officials, as well as all those who worked tirelessly to recover the remains of the deceased from the wreckage and transport them to the morgue. We appreciate their dedication to service even in the face of intense emotion and trepidation.”

The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region as the officials were on their way to an event at Obuasi.

The names of the perished are: Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology; Limuna Muniru, Ag Dep National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; Samuel Aboagye, NADMO Deputy Director-General.

Also confirmed are the deaths of 3 Airforce officers, namely Squadron Leader Peter Anala (the pilot); Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Read the statement below:



MAG/MA

Watch as Ghana Armed Forces prepares to receive remains of 8 killed in helicopter crash;