President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Finance Minister, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Buah, to act as caretaker ministers for the Ministry of Defence and Environment, Science and Technology Ministers, respectively.

This was revealed in a statement from the Office of the President on Thursday, August 7.

This has become crucial following the tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the Defence Minister, Dr Omane Boamah and the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

The other six individuals who are deceased include acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye,Squadron leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Mensah.

Ghana as a whole is mourning the tragic loss of eight individuals after a helicopter crash in the general area of Sikaman near Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the victims.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has directed that all flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice. Engaging the general public yesterday, Julius Debrah revealed the identities of the deceased individuals after the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter Z9, which took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

The President and government have extended their condolences and sympathies to the family of the comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country.

Several statesmen, international dignitaries, and sympathizers have extended their deepest condolences to the incumbent government and Ghana as a whole.

Yesterday, the remains of the deceased were flown to the airforce base. State officials and bereaved families were present for a brief ceremony to honour the deceased.

Burial has been postponed for the Muslim victims who passed away following a tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region.

This was revealed by the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, on Thursday, August 7.

The burial was expected to be conducted today, Thursday, August 7, as per Islamic tradition. However, speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister stated that the recent development is the state of the remains of their bodies. According to him, a new date will be fixed after a conclusion has been made.

Meanwhile, a team of investigators from the Ghana Air Force and other military personnel have departed to the helicopter crash site in Sikaman, where eight individuals lost their lives.

Per reports, the team is being led by the area’s Assembly Member and local residents familiar with the forest terrain. Yesterday, the Ghana Armed Forces informed the general public that it has commenced investigations into the unfortunate incident.

Profile of Defense MinisterDr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah is a prominent Ghanaian politician, medical doctor, and Health Policy Planning and Financing Analyst with a rich background in strategic negotiation, solution-oriented leadership, environmental security and ICT including cybersecurity.

He possesses a strong educational foundation from esteemed institutions, including the University of Ghana Medical School, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Harvard University.

His diverse educational background empowers him to merge his medical expertise with a deep understanding of financial planning and strategic analysis when solving complex challenges.

Dr. Omane Boamah has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in various key roles. As Minister for Communications and Spokesperson for the President of Ghana, he championed several vital cybersecurity initiatives including Child Online Protection and led the rollout of the Government of Ghana's 4G LTE network (GOTA) which provides enhanced communication capabilities for security agencies.

As a former Civilian Employee of the Ministry of Defence, he has an unwavering commitment to national and human security. His innovative thinking and excellent negotiation skills, positions him as a forward-thinking leader, ready to address the complexities of modern security challenges and an advocate for the institution's dignity and well-being of service women and men.

Profile of Environment Minister

Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed was a distinguished Ghanaian politician, educator, and public servant who played a significant role in shaping national policy and advocating for sustainable development.

Born on December 14, 1974, in the Northern Region of Ghana, he pursued his education at Tamale College of Education, the University of Ghana, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, earning a Master of Arts in Development Studies along with additional qualifications in international relations and development planning.

He began his political career as a Member of Parliament for the Nanton Constituency in 2013 and later represented the Tamale Central Constituency.

'Over the years, he served as Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations and Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry. In February 2025, he was appointed Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, a role in which he championed environmental sustainability and technological advancement.

Murtala Mohammed was known for his bold speeches, grassroots engagement, and commitment to public service. He was deeply religious, respected within both political and Islamic communities, and maintained a private family life as a married father of three.