The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has joined the chorus of mourning sweeping across Ghana and the West African region following the helicopter crash that killed eight prominent Ghanaians on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

In an official condolence message signed by its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, EBID expressed its “deep sadness” over the loss of senior government officials and military officers who died in what has become one of Ghana’s deadliest aviation incidents in recent history.

The fatal crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of:

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment

Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC

Mr Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

Flying Officer Twum Ampadu

Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

According to EBID, the deceased served their country with exceptional dedication and integrity. “Their untimely passing is an irreplaceable loss not only to Ghana but also to the West African sub-region,” the letter noted.

The Bank expressed solidarity with President John Dramani Mahama, the bereaved families, and the entire nation, urging all to draw strength from the remarkable legacies left by the fallen leaders. “May their sacrifices inspire greater unity, resilience, and commitment to national and regional progress,” it added.

The helicopter on an anti-illegal mining mission from Accra to Obuasi, crashed under still-unclear circumstances. Preliminary reports point to possible mechanical failure or poor weather conditions, though investigations are ongoing.

In response, President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, appointing Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as acting Defence Minister, and the Lands and Natural Resources Minister as acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

EBID, a key development finance institution for West Africa, has had longstanding ties with Ghana, recently committing $200 million to support local economic development projects in partnership with Ghana EXIM Bank and GCB Bank. The bank’s message of condolence underscores not only its regional mandate but also the depth of its investment, both financial and emotional in Ghana’s journey of progress.