The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) paid a heartfelt tribute to the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in a devastating helicopter crash last week. On August 11, 2025, the GOC laid a wreath at a moving ceremony to honor the victims, demonstrating respect and gratitude for their dedication to Ghana.
The Fatal Crash
On August 6, 2025, an Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter crashed into a forested slope in the Adansi-Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region, resulting in the deaths of everyone on board. The victims included prominent government officials and military personnel:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Three Ghana Armed Forces crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
National Mourning and Tributes
President John Dramani Mahama declared three days of national mourning, from August 7 to 9, with flags flown at half-mast and official engagements suspended. A state funeral is scheduled for August 15 at the Black Star Square in Accra. The GOC’s wreath-laying ceremony is one of several tributes organized by institutions nationwide.
Investigation Underway
A board of inquiry has been established to investigate the cause of the crash. Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered for analysis.
