Mining sector mourns 8 killed in military helicopter crash

Ghana’s mining sector stakeholders have expressed condolences to the government following the fatal military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight people on board, including the Ministers for Defence and Environment.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) said the Z-9 helicopter took off from Accra at 09:12 a.m. local time on Wednesday en route to Obuasi, where the delegation was scheduled to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).

The aircraft later lost contact with radar and was reported to have crashed in a forested area, according to eyewitnesses who rushed to the scenes. They said the helicopter was seen in flames shortly after impact.

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, later confirmed the deaths at a press briefing in Accra, naming the deceased as Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three Air Force personnel – Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines described the deaths as a “profound loss” to the country, saying the two ministers had played key roles in national efforts to combat illegal mining.

“Their leadership and collaboration were central to the multi-stakeholder approach aimed at addressing the challenges of illegal mining,” the chamber said in a statement. “Their absence will be deeply felt across the sector.”

The chamber pledged to honour their legacy by continuing to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.

The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) also extended condolences, expressing solidarity with the government, the NDC and the Ghana Armed Forces.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased,” the association said.

Meanwhile the bodies of the deceased persons have since been brought to Accra, while authorities said investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.