The Lands and Natural Resources Ministry has joined a grieving nation in mourning the tragic loss of eight prominent Ghanaians who perished in a military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region.

Describing the event as a devastating blow to the country, the Ministry expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims—eight men whose service to Ghana was as distinguished as it was selfless.

Among the deceased were:

1. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
2. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP), Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
4. Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
5. Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary Candidate
6. Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala
7. Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

These individuals were en route to the Black Park in Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP)—a key initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s small-scale mining sector—when the tragedy occurred.

In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the Ministry highlighted the immense loss, particularly the absence of Cabinet Ministers Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who were scheduled to deliver solidarity messages at the event.

“Their commitment to national development and their unwavering support for responsible mining will forever be remembered,” the statement read.

The Ministry called the crash a painful interruption of a journey rooted in hope, service, and progress, and urged the nation to draw strength from the enduring legacy of the departed.

“In this moment of profound sorrow, we pray that the Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed souls and comfort the families and loved ones of the deceased, as well as the general public,” the statement concluded.

The memory of these fallen patriots, the Ministry said, will forever live on in the hearts of Ghanaians—and in the nation they so diligently served.