Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, a distinguished Ghanaian medical doctor, statesman, and public servant, tragically lost his life on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in a military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. His untimely death, along with that of several other high-profile individuals, has left the nation in mourning.

## Early Life and Education

Born in 1975, Dr Omane Boamah was a bright and dedicated student who attended Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary. His leadership skills and commitment to national development were evident even in his youth. He pursued medicine at the University of Ghana Medical School, qualifying as a medical doctor.

Driven by a desire to influence public policy and healthcare systems, he obtained a master’s degree in health policy, planning and financing from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

## Political and Public Service Career

Dr Omane Boamah was a lifelong member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), where he quickly rose through the ranks as a thoughtful, strategic, and composed political figure.

He served as Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (2009–2012).

In 2012, he was appointed Minister for Communications, a role in which he helped modernise Ghana’s digital infrastructure, expand broadband access, and promote e-governance initiatives.

He also served as Presidential Spokesperson and Director of Communications at the Presidency, becoming one of the most trusted voices of the Mahama administration.

In 2023, Dr Omane Boamah was appointed Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, playing a pivotal role in the party’s digital electoral strategies and backend systems for the 2024 general elections.

## A Legacy of Innovation and Integrity

Dr Omane Boamah uniquely blended his background in medicine with a passion for policy, technology, and communication. He was not only a medical doctor but also a respected political communicator and strategist, always emphasising evidence-based approaches in public service.

He remained vocal on issues of public health, national governance, and democratic development, consistently contributing through articles, interviews, and advisory roles.

## The Tragic End

The government announced the tragic deaths of Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, along with six others in the helicopter crash. A source in the Ghana Army confirmed that the helicopter was assigned to transport the Defence Minister and others.

The loss of Dr Omane Boamah represents not just a personal tragedy for his family and loved ones but a significant blow to Ghana's leadership cadre. His death occurred at a time when his experience and expertise were particularly valuable to the nation's security and development agenda.







Dr. Omane Boamah: All to know about the late minister, doctor, and statesman

A major fire outbreak on Monday evening has destroyed the housemaster’s bungalow and partially damaged the boys’ dormitory at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School in Koforidua, Eastern Region.

The incident occurred around 7:00 PM and reportedly began in the housemaster’s bungalow, located adjacent to the boys’ dormitory. 

Eyewitnesses say the flames spread rapidly, intensifying before emergency responders could arrive.

By the time personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reached the scene, the bungalow had been completely consumed by fire. 

The blaze had begun spreading to the boys’ dormitory, raising concerns of a larger catastrophe.

Thanks to the swift and coordinated response of the GNFS, firefighters managed to bring the situation under control and prevent the complete destruction of the dormitory. 

Their timely intervention was instrumental in averting further devastation.

No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. 

School authorities and fire officials have confirmed that investigations will be launched to determine the source of the blaze.

Fire destroys housemaster's bungalow, damages dorm at Oyoko Methodist SHS

In a significant development following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including top government officials, the black box of the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter has been recovered. 

This was confirmed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr Frank Amoakohene, in a public update shared on his official Facebook page.

The black box, also known as the flight data recorder, is a critical component in aviation accident investigations, as it stores vital information about the aircraft’s final moments before the crash. 

Its recovery is expected to aid aviation experts in determining the exact cause of the accident, which shocked the nation and drew global condolences.

“1. Black Box has been found.
2. We have formally visited the families of Dr Sarpong & Hon. Aboagye.
3. ARCC Opens BOC,” the Minister posted.

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The helicopter, a Ghana Air Force Z-9, went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, while transporting high-ranking government officials on official duty. Among those who perished were Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Also confirmed deceased were Dr Sarpong, a top government aide, and Hon. Aboagye, a regional development coordinator, whose families have now been officially visited by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) in the wake of the tragedy.

In addition to announcing the black box recovery, the Regional Minister also revealed that the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) has opened a Book of Condolence (BOC) for the fallen leaders. The book allows the public and dignitaries to pay tribute and offer their sympathies.



Black box recovered from crashed Ghana military helicopter

A tragic plane crash near Nairobi, Kenya, has claimed the lives of six people after a medical aircraft operated by AMREF Flying Doctors crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Morendat Farm area near Lake Naivasha.

According to aviation officials, the light medical aircraft had departed from Wilson Airport at 2:14 PM local time, en route to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. Just three minutes after takeoff, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control and plummeted into a house, sparking a fire and causing massive destruction.

The crash resulted in the deaths of four passengers aboard the plane and two individuals on the ground, confirmed Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula. He also noted that two more people on the ground suffered serious injuries.

Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene. Tasha Wanjira, a local resident, said she saw the plane burning in the air before impact. Another resident, Irene Wangui, said the aircraft passed so close to her building that it shook from the vibrations moments before the crash.

Emergency services, including the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Red Cross responders, and other local rescue teams, arrived quickly at the scene. A helicopter was dispatched to assist in rescue operations. Red Cross teams recovered four bodies from the wreckage, while others worked to support those injured and affected in the area.

The KCAA has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash and expressed its condolences to the families affected.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident involving an air ambulance mission,” the Authority said in a statement.

AMREF Flying Doctors, a nonprofit medical air service, also confirmed that the aircraft was on a humanitarian medical mission at the time of the crash.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue.



Kenya plane crash near Nairobi kills 6, including four on board and two on the ground.

**By Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo**


In response to the devastating military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several senior government officials, President John Dramani Mahama has announced new ministerial appointments to fill critical roles within his administration.

In a statement dated Thursday, August 7, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President directed Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the current Minister for Finance, to assume additional responsibilities as Minister for Defence. 

Similarly, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has been appointed to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, pending further notice.

## Press Statement

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-07 at 11.04.26_1ef592d8.jpg](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f21ad08b-ddcd-4f09-9113-11717fbeb558/1754568420796-koqiv87vh0r.jpg)

These changes come in the aftermath of the tragic Z-9 military helicopter crash near Adansi-Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of:

![The claimed lives of the helicopter clash in Ghana](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f21ad08b-ddcd-4f09-9113-11717fbeb558/1754566898637-nsprlf6quqm.jpg)

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament

Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The officials were reportedly en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme when the aircraft lost radar contact shortly after taking off from Accra.

Also among the casualties were military personnel aboard the flight, including 

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

Addressing the press, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as a national disaster. He announced that national flags would be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased until further notice.

In a show of national solidarity and mourning, President Mahama has declared a three-day period of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7, 2025. All government activities have been suspended for the remainder of the week.

This tragedy marks one of the darkest moments in Ghana’s recent political history, prompting both grief and a swift government response to maintain stability in key sectors.

John Mahama appoints Ato Forson, Armah Buah to key roles after fatal helicopter crash

The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Ali Adolf John, has announced that the mortal remains of the late Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Murtala, will be airlifted to Tamale on Thursday, 7 August 2025, for burial in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Speaking during a visit to the bereaved family in Tamale on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, the Minister formally relayed the tragic news of Dr Murtala’s death in a military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. 

In a sorrowful tone, he extended condolences on behalf of the government and assured the family of full state support, including a befitting burial and a dignified funeral.

Dr Murtala, who also served as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was among eight high-ranking officials who lost their lives in the crash.

## Background of the Crash

The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, when a military helicopter transporting government officials from Kumasi to Accra crashed in a forested area near Adansi Akrofuom. 

Preliminary investigations point to possible adverse weather conditions, though a full inquiry is being conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority.

Among the other victims were Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC.

The helicopter crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also lost their lives in the crash.

The tragedy has shocked the nation and plunged the political establishment into mourning. President Nana Kwame Ofosu-Ampofo has ordered national flags to fly at half-mast for a week in honour of the deceased officials.

Dr Murtala, remembered for his passion for environmental reform and scientific development, leaves behind a wife, four children, and a legacy of dedicated public service. His burial in Tamale on Thursday is expected to draw dignitaries and mourners from across the country.



Body of late Environment Minister to be airlifted to Tamale for burial on Thursday August 7

Ghana is reeling from a tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of several high-ranking government officials and military personnel.

Among the deceased are Minister for Defence Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Their sudden deaths have plunged the nation into mourning.

Also confirmed dead are Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Announcing the tragedy at a press briefing, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the crash as a national disaster, stating that all national flags will be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims until further notice.

Military personnel aboard the aircraft included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, who also perished in the crash.

According to preliminary reports, the victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft went off radar. The helicopter reportedly lost contact shortly after takeoff.

Emergency responders were dispatched immediately to the crash site. Graphic footage and images obtained by Citi News showed the charred remains of passengers at the scene. 

However, officials have indicated that a full list of casualties will be released after families are formally notified.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining (galamsey) programme at the time of the incident, reportedly left the event abruptly upon receiving the devastating news.

In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the crash and said efforts are underway to recover and examine the wreckage. The cause of the incident remains unknown as investigations continue.

This tragic accident comes just over a year after a similar incident on March 19, 2024, when a military helicopter crash-landed near Bonsukrom in the Western Region. Thankfully, that earlier accident resulted in no fatalities.

The government has pledged to provide timely updates as the situation develops and further details are confirmed.

## Press briefing from the Presidency

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 Dr. Omane Boamah &amp; Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed Confirmed Dead in Military Helicopter Crash.<br><br>Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed have tragically lost their lives in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash en route to Obuasi.… <a href="https://t.co/nKkIeLIDUO">pic.twitter.com/nKkIeLIDUO</a></p>&mdash; CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Citi973/status/1953103345511440851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>




Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed, 6 others dead in military helicopter crash

Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has officially picked up nomination forms to contest in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2026 presidential primaries.

The announcement was made in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 5 August, by Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesperson for his campaign team.
“Official Update: Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong has officially picked nomination forms to contest in the 2026 NPP flagbearership race,” the post read.

Mr Agyapong’s decision to enter the race reaffirms his long-standing interest in leading the governing party, having previously contested in the 2024 NPP presidential primaries. Although he placed third in that contest—behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and former Agriculture Minister Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto—his campaign gained significant grassroots support, especially for his strong messages on discipline, patriotism, and economic independence.

Known for his outspoken personality and business background, Kennedy Agyapong has been a prominent figure within the NPP for over two decades. He represented the Assin Central Constituency in Parliament from 2001 to 2025, serving multiple terms and earning a reputation for speaking bluntly on national issues, often challenging both opposition and internal party decisions.

His 2024 campaign was marked by a strong call for national discipline, anti-corruption, youth employment, and a home-grown economic agenda. These themes are expected to dominate his 2026 message as well. He has frequently criticised what he describes as economic mismanagement and the culture of dependency on foreign aid, positioning himself as a candidate who can chart a bold new course for Ghana.

With the 2026 elections on the horizon, his decision sets the stage for what could be another highly competitive flagbearership race within the NPP, as the party prepares to select a new leader to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

More announcements from other potential aspirants are expected in the coming months.

Kennedy Agyapong picks forms to contest NPP 2026 flagbearer race

Authorities at Agona Swedru Senior High School (SHS) in Ghana's Central Region have suspended 25 final-year students following a violent altercation reportedly triggered by a same-sex relationship proposal.

The school’s headmistress, Mrs Golda Esi Andam, confirmed the incident in an interview with Accra-based Onua News, stating that the disciplinary action came after thorough investigations and hearings.

According to school officials, the situation began when one male student allegedly proposed a romantic relationship to another male student, who declined the advance. 

The student who rejected the proposal reportedly shared the incident with peers, some of whom advised him to feign interest in return.

When both students agreed to meet again under this pretence, a group of students believed to be friends of the one who rejected the proposal allegedly ambushed and assaulted the student who made the initial approach.

In response, the assaulted student is said to have informed his dormitory mates, prompting a retaliatory attack. 

The conflict soon escalated into a broader confrontation, involving numerous students and requiring urgent intervention by school authorities.

Mrs Andam explained that all involved students were granted a fair hearing before the school imposed the disciplinary measures.


> "These students will sit for their final exams under the supervision of their parents"

 She stated. 

> "They have come to understand that the Ghana Education Service takes its code of conduct very seriously."

She stressed that the suspension is not a denial of the students’ right to education but rather a necessary step to maintain discipline and uphold school regulations.

The headmistress further advised students to strictly adhere to institutional rules to avoid facing similar consequences.



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