ECOWAS mourns 8 victims feared dead in Z-9 military helicopter crash

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is mourning the loss of eight people who died in the helicopter crash in Ghana on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The incident, which happened in Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region, took the lives of a number of senior government officials and military personnel who were on their way to a function to combat the illegal mining menace commonly known as galamsey.

They include the Minister of Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

The other victims include Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; Samuel Aboagye, and Vice Chairman of the NDC and a former Kumasi Mayor, Samuel Sarpong.

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

In the statement released by ECOWAS, the leadership and staff of the bloc expressed deep condolences to the country and family of the victims.

“It is with profound sorrow that we have received the tragic news of the helicopter crash in Ghana, which claimed the lives of several senior government officials, including the Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.”

The regional block also extended its thoughts and prayers to the entire nation in these moments of grief.

“On behalf of the staff and leadership of all ECOWAS institutions, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Ghana. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this moment of national grief.”

The remains of the victims have been brought back to Accra and deposited at the 37 Military Hospital for proper interment.