The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has expressed deep sorrow over the military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that claimed eight lives, including senior government officials and military personnel, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Speaking on Friday, August 8, 2025, after leading the GJA leadership to lay flowers in honour of the victims, Mr Dwumfour described the tragedy as one of the darkest moments in Ghana’s history.
“Wednesday was indeed a Black Wednesday for Ghana. Watching, listening and observing the pain and grief across the country, we are very saddened and heartbroken,” he said.
He extended condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, the National Democratic Congress, the families of the victims, and the entire nation.
Mr Dwumfour also urged journalists and media houses to cover the tragedy with sensitivity and respect. “This is a national tragedy, and we owe it a duty to preserve it with much decency and dignity,” he stressed, calling on the media to be “circumspect during this period as we mourn our fallen heroes.”
The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District and claimed the lives of:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
President Mahama has announced a state burial for the victims on August 15, 2025. Tributes continue to pour in from leaders, institutions, and citizens across the country.