JUST IN Ghana Air Force helicopter goes missing en route to Obuasi; 8 persons on board

 A Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter carrying eight people has gone missing after taking off from Accra this morning, military officials confirmed in an urgent press release.

The aircraft departed the capital at 0912 hours en route to Obuasi but lost radar contact shortly after, according to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). "All efforts are being made to establish contact," stated the release signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations.

On board were three crew members and five passengers, though their identities and the mission’s purpose were not immediately disclosed. Search operations are underway, with further updates promised.

The Z9, a utility helicopter often used for transport and medical evacuation, was last tracked over an undisclosed location. The GAF urged media outlets to disseminate the alert, noting: "For favour of publication, please."

Observers suggest adverse weather conditions or technical issues could be factors, but authorities have not confirmed any causes. The Jubilee House is expected to brief the press on developments later today.

Confirmed fatalities:

1. Dr Edward Omane Boamah — Minister for Defence (since February 2025), died in the crash  .
2. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed — Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation, died in the crash  .
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed — Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food & Agriculture, also among the deceased  .
4. Dr Samuel Sarpong — Former Ashanti Regional Minister and Vice Chairman of the NDC, also confirmed dead  .
5. Mr Samuel Aboagye — Former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, included among the casualties  .
6. Three crew members of the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter also perished—among them identified as Squadron Leader Peter, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo  .