Overview

• A Chinese-made Z9 military helicopter en route from Accra to Obuasi crashed in the Ashanti region on August 6, killing Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and six others.
• The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed there were no survivors and President John Mahama suspended his duties, ordered flags at half-mast and declared a period of national mourning.
• Other victims included the deputy national security coordinator, the National Democratic Congress vice chairman, a former parliamentary candidate and three Ghana Air Force crew members.
• An official investigation has been launched to examine potential mechanical, weather or human factors behind the crash.
• With the Z9 fleet grounded, the government faces urgent leadership reshuffles for defence and environmental portfolios in the face of ongoing security and anti-illegal mining efforts.