Even in the face of heartbreak, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, has stated that the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight statesmen will not stop her and others in public service, from continuing to serve Ghana with full dedication.
Speaking to UTV during the national period of mourning, the minister became emotional as she mirrored on the sudden loss of her colleagues and military officers who died while on duty.
“My father has passed away, and he will be buried on Saturday. We had been prepared for his passing since he was old, but this particular loss (the helicopter crash) has been especially painful. You dedicated yourself to serving the nation, and while on an important mission, you tragically lost your life.
“This is incredibly difficult for us. However, we must not let this deter us from continuing our work,” Dzifa Gomashie said through tears.
Background
On August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter carrying three crew members and five high-profile passengers crashed in a forest near Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region.
The aircraft had taken off from Accra at 9:12AM and was heading to Obuasi when the incident occurred. It went down and caught fire, killing all eight on board.
Individuals who lost their lives are as follows:
Government officials:
Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah
Minister of Environment, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed
Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna
Former Ashanti Regional minister, Samuel Sarpong
Former Parliamentary Candidate, Samuel Aboagye
Army officials (crew members), who also lost their lives include,
Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Abla Dzifa Gomashie breaks down in tears as she mourns the eight victims of the helicopter crash.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/bRNuvYfHCB
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) August 7, 2025
AK/EB
