The Government of the Republic of Ghana has officially declared a period of national mourning following the tragic death of two prominent cabinet ministers—Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation—along with six others who perished in a devastating military helicopter crash.
The fatal incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region. According to preliminary information, the ministers and their accompanying personnel were traveling to Obuasi as part of a scheduled government assignment involving environmental and security inspections in the region. The helicopter, operated by the Ghana Armed Forces, went down under yet-to-be-determined circumstances, claiming the lives of all onboard.
In an official statement released to EASTERN FM 105.1 MHz, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, conveyed the deep grief and profound sorrow felt across the highest levels of government. He emphasized that the loss of such dedicated public servants, who had committed themselves to the advancement and security of the nation, was not only a tragedy for their respective families but a great national loss.
“The President of the Republic and the entire government express their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of our dearly departed colleagues and all others who lost their lives while in the service of Ghana,” the Chief of Staff stated. “As a mark of respect and national solidarity, all national flags across the country are to be flown at half-mast with immediate effect and will remain so until further notice.”
The Presidency, speaking through official government communication channels monitored by EASTERN FM 105.1 MHz, has called on all institutions—both public and private—to adhere strictly to the directive and to observe the mood of mourning throughout the country.
The Ghana Armed Forces has since taken charge of the crash site and is working closely with relevant investigative bodies to determine the cause of the accident. According to military sources, a full-scale investigation is underway, and updates will be provided to the public as credible findings emerge.
The late Dr. Omane Boamah, a trained medical doctor and seasoned politician, was widely respected for his intellect, leadership, and unwavering commitment to national service. He had only recently been appointed Minister for Defence in February 2025 and was overseeing several strategic defence and national security reforms.
Similarly, Hon. Murtala Muhammed had been leading major environmental policy initiatives focused on sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and technological innovation within the government. His death leaves a vacuum in Ghana’s environmental leadership, especially at a time when the country is grappling with growing ecological challenges.
The sudden demise of both ministers and their aides has sent shockwaves across the political landscape and among the general population. Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, civil society groups, foreign diplomats, and ordinary Ghanaians, many of whom have shared their condolences through interviews and messages aired on EASTERN FM 105.1 MHz.
As the nation prepares for official funeral arrangements, the government has promised to honour the memory of all the fallen with dignity and national gratitude. A detailed programme of commemorative activities, including a state memorial service, is expected to be announced in the coming days.
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHz will continue to provide updates and special coverage as this story develops.
STORY BY: KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
NEWS ROOM
