A somber moment unfolded at the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi when Lands Minister Armah Kofi Buah was informed of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several government officials and military personnel.

Videos captured during the event show Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene leaning in to break the news to Mr. Buah while they were seated at the high table.

The Lands Minister, upon hearing the information, was visibly shaken and momentarily overcome with emotion.

I was watching this live and this reaction got me really confused.
This is really heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/nQrrmKtGEC

— Tech Shifoo (@SeptembaDegree) August 6, 2025

The helicopter, which crashed at Brofoyedru Sikaman in the Adansi Asokwa municipality, was carrying a delegation of government officials scheduled to attend the programme.

Among the deceased were Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and other prominent figures.

• Read also: Eyewitness recounts search for burning helicopter in crash that killed Omane Boamah, 7 others

Other victims include Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and Samuel Sarpong, a Vice Chairman of the NDC.

The crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The launch event, which was meant to unveil a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Ghana's artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, quickly turned heavy as news of the accident spread.