The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of a fatal military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, 6th August, in the Ashanti Region.

The government has confirmed the death of eight individuals in a military helicopter crash that occurred in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve in Adansi Akrofuom District.

Among the deceased are Ghana's Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Muhammed.

According to a press statement released by the GAF, the Z-9 helicopter, which departed Accra at 0912 hours en route to Obuasi, came down in the vicinity of Sikaman near Adansi Akrofuom.

All those on board are dead, and their remains, including charred bodies, have been retrieved.

• Read also: Defence Minister, Environment Minister, 6 others confirmed dead in military helicopter crash

The GAF has named the crew members as Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The passengers included several high-ranking officials:

• Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
• Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Dr Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former Kumasi Mayor.
• Mr Samuel Aboagye – Former Obuasi East NDC Parliamentary Candidate

The Ghana Armed Forces expressed condolences to the bereaved families and emphasised that a thorough investigation has already commenced.

“Investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the accident,” the statement read. Technical teams from the Air Force, aviation safety specialists, and independent assessors are expected to examine the crash site, review flight data, and evaluate aircraft maintenance records.

Although the cause of the crash remains unknown, military sources have indicated that all possible factors, including mechanical failure, weather conditions, and flight procedures, will be scrutinised.