The Western Region of Ghana is enveloped in grief following the devastating confirmation that all three crew members involved in Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash were personnel from the Takoradi Airforce Base. The incident, which has been described as a national tragedy, claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including prominent government officials and senior security personnel.
Nation in Mourning
Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, led a delegation to console the bereaved families and 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, serves as 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,” Minister Nelson stated, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy on the region.
The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region during a flight from Accra to Obuasi. 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. The crew was tasked with transporting officials for official duties in Obuasi.
Lives Lost in Service
Among the deceased were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (pilot), Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampedu (co-pilot), and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah (flight technician). The list of casualties also included high-ranking officials such as:
- 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
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the casualties and described the incident as a national tragedy. In response, he directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast to honour the deceased.
A Painful Loss
Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “This is a very difficult one, and every comfort is required to strengthen us to enable us go through this difficulty,” he said during his visit to console grieving families.
The crash has left the nation grappling with questions about its cause. Earlier in the day, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) issued a statement confirming that the aircraft had gone missing after losing radar contact shortly after takeoff at 09:12 GMT. A search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched but later confirmed that all eight individuals onboard had perished.
Honouring Their Memory
As investigations into the cause of this tragic accident continue, Ghana mourns not only the loss of dedicated military personnel but also prominent leaders who served their country with distinction. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to public service and national security.
The Western Region, along with the rest of Ghana, must now find strength to navigate this period of profound sorrow. In unity and resilience, the nation honours the memory of those lost in this heartbreaking tragedy.
