The Western Region is reeling from grief following confirmation that all three crew members involved in Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash were personnel from the Takoradi Airforce Base.
Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, who led a delegation to console the bereaved families, confirmed the regional connection during a solemn visit to the family of Flying Officer Manin Twum- Ampedu, one of the deceased crew members. His wife, Naval Lieutenant Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremah, is a psychologist with the 2-Garrison.
“The whole country is grieving, but particularly the Western Region. We have three of the crew; all the crew members happen to come from here, from the Airforce Base of Takoradi, and so we have been hit directly by this unfortunate accident,” the Minister said.
The helicopter crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two Ministers and senior security officials. The crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (pilot), Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampedu (co-pilot), and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah (flight technician)—were tasked with transporting officials to Obuasi for official duties.
Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, described the incident as one of the most painful losses in recent memory.
“This is a very difficult one, and every comfort is required to strengthen us to enable us go through this difficulty,” he stated during the visit.
The confirmed list of casualties includes:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
- Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
- Sergeant Leader –Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer –Manin Twum-Ampadu
- Sergeant -Ernest Addo Mensah
The list was confirmed by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who described the incident as a national tragedy.
In response, he has directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased. Further details are expected as investigations continue into the cause of the crash.
The Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter was carrying eight individuals—five passengers and three crew members—when it reportedly went down on Wednesday, August 6, during a flight from Accra to Obuasi.
Earlier in the day, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) issued a statement confirming that the aircraft had gone missing after losing contact with radar shortly after takeoff at 09:12 GMT. At the time, the GAF said efforts were ongoing to establish contact.
The helicopter’s disappearance triggered an immediate search-and-rescue operation, which later confirmed the deaths of all those on board following the crash.
Source: Jonathan Adjei