State launches full-scale investigation into August 6 helicopter crash

The Government of Ghana has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
President John Dramani Mahama, in a televised national address on Thursday evening, confirmed that the Ghana Armed Forces has begun a full and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“An investigative board of inquiry has been established to determine the cause of the crash. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been successfully retrieved,” the President announced.
Following the incident, a specialised search and recovery team was deployed to the crash site to retrieve the remains of the victims and recover debris from the wreckage.
Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, who was among the search party, confirmed to the public Thursday afternoon that the “black box” containing the aircraft data recorder and cockpit voice recorder was successfully found.
In the President’s address, He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and called on the nation to unite in mourning.
“It is a moment of national grief. Let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians, united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity and now, shared sorrow. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families,” he said.
Background
A military helicopter carrying eight people, including Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, crashed in a forest near Adansi in the Ashanti Region, where they all lost their lives
Other victims inlcudes Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Analah, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah