The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians, including key government officials and military personnel.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Adam A. A. Bonaa, the Commission described the loss as “heartbreaking and rudely painful,” joining the nation in mourning the fallen heroes.
The crash occurred at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, involving a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
The victims included Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation; Dr. Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Deputy National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East and NADMO Deputy Director-General; and three Ghana Air Force crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
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The Commission acknowledged the immense contributions of the deceased, noting their dedication to national duty and service.
“Although we acknowledge that no measure of comfort can replace the love and warmth of the presence of these great men, we do pray that the Nation will find solace in knowing that their sacrifice and dedicated service will never be forgotten,” the statement read.
The Commission extended its deepest condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, the government and people of Ghana, the Ministry of the Interior, and the bereaved families.
It reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and peaceful coexistence, praying for the souls of the departed to “rest in perfect peace and arise in glory.”
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President Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period from August 7 to August 9, 2025, with flags flown at half-mast. A state funeral is scheduled for August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square, and books of condolence will be available from August 10 to August 14 at the Ministries of Defence and Environment, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, NDC headquarters, and NADMO head office.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces is investigating the crash, with the flight data and cockpit voice recorders recovered to determine the cause.
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