A darkish cloud hangs over Ghana following the tragic crash of a Ghana Air Drive Z-9 navy helicopter that claimed the lives of eight people, together with two key ministers of state. The nation is in mourning, and the worldwide neighborhood has responded with heartfelt condolences, underscoring the wide-reaching affect of the devastating occasion.
Background of the Tragedy
The deadly incident occurred within the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Area on Wednesday, August 6, when a Ghana Air Drive Z-9 helicopter, carrying high-ranking authorities officers, crashed whereas on official responsibility. The plane was en route from the capital, Accra, to a distant space for a neighborhood inspection mission associated to nationwide defence and environmental improvement.
Amongst these onboard have been Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Setting, Science, Know-how, and Innovation. The crash additionally claimed the lives of six different navy personnel and technical employees. Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the reason for the crash.
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The loss is being felt not solely throughout Ghana however the world over, as tributes proceed to pour in from worldwide organisations, international governments, and influential world figures.
UN: “A nationwide wound felt throughout the worldwide neighborhood”
The United Nations (UN) was among the many first world establishments to react. The UN workplace in Ghana issued a shifting assertion of solidarity and sorrow:
It’s with profound sorrow that we obtain the tragic information of the deadly crash involving the Ghana Air Drive Z9 helicopter, claiming the lives of distinguished Authorities of Ghana officers, together with the Honourable Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and the Honourable Minister for Setting, Science, and Know-how, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
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The United Nations household in Ghana mourns with the nation on this second of deep grief… This tragedy just isn’t solely a nationwide wound but additionally a loss felt throughout the worldwide neighborhood. We stand united right now of mourning. We honour the reminiscence of all those that have handed, with hope for his or her lasting peace.
AU: “A profound loss for Africa”
The African Union Fee, led by Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed its heartfelt condolences and pledged solidarity with the Authorities of Ghana.
The Chairperson conveys his heartfelt condolences to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the Authorities and folks of Ghana, and the bereaved households of all those that misplaced their lives on this nationwide tragedy. The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss. Could the souls of the departed relaxation in everlasting peace.
Youssouf additionally prolonged help to the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling Nationwide Democratic Congress, praising the service and dedication of the fallen leaders.
ECOWAS: “Our ideas and prayers are with Ghana.”
In a press release of shared sorrow, the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) supplied their help:
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It’s with profound sorrow that we now have obtained the tragic information of the helicopter crash in Ghana, which claimed the lives of a number of senior authorities officers, together with the Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Setting, Science and Know-how, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
On behalf of the employees and management of all ECOWAS establishments, I prolong our deepest condolences to the bereaved households, the federal government, and the folks of the Republic of Ghana.
Worldwide Tributes: Condolences from Diplomats and World Leaders
The tragedy reverberated nicely past Africa, prompting responses from international embassies and world leaders.
Italian Embassy and President Sergio Mattarella
The Italian Embassy in Accra conveyed deep sorrow and solidarity:
The Italian Embassy expresses honest and deep condolences for the victims of the tragic crash that occurred this morning.
Italian President H.E. Sergio Mattarella additionally personally reached out to President Mahama, expressing his sympathies to the Ghanaian folks throughout this sorrowful time.
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The Italian Embassy expresses honest and deep condolences for the victims of the tragic crash occurred this morning .
The President of the Italian Republic, H.E. Sergio Mattarella, has despatched his condolences to the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.— Italy in Ghana (@ItalyinGhana) August 6, 2025
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO Director-Common)
In a heartfelt message, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, head of the World Commerce Organisation, wrote:
My deepest condolences to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the bereaved households, and the folks of Ghana for the tragic lack of the Hon. Minister of Defence Dr Edward Kofi Boamah, the Hon. Minister of Setting Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, and 6 others in a horrible helicopter crash.Could their souls relaxation in good peace.
My Deepest Condolences to HE President John Dramani Mahama @JDMahama, the bereaved households and the folks of Ghana for the tragic lack of the Hon Min of Defence Dr Edward Kofi Boamah and the Hon Min of Setting. Science and Know-how Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad and 6…
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) August 7, 2025
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone
President Bio expressed his profound disappointment, stating:
I’m deeply saddened to listen to concerning the tragic helicopter crash in Ghana… My heartfelt condolences exit to His Excellency President Mahama and the folks of Ghana throughout this extremely troublesome time. Please know that the folks of Sierra Leone stand in solidarity with you as you mourn this profound loss.
President Adama Barrow of The Gambia
President Barrow additionally expressed sympathy on behalf of his nation:
Akinwumi A. Adesina (President, African Growth Financial institution)
AfDB President Dr Akinwumi Adesina lamented the nationwide tragedy:
