Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has recounted a near-death experience from a potential plane disaster over the Sahara Desert back in 2007.

He provided this information at a time when the country is mourning eight individuals who died in a helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on August 6.

While he was traveling with an entourage of 12 to 16 people from Tripoli to Khartoum, Sudan's capital, the former president said he experienced a tense moment.

“I remember that sometime in 2007, had it not been for God’s intervention, I would have been involved in a plane crash over the Sahara Desert,” he revealed during an interview on Angel TV.

He recounted how the aircraft struggled to gain altitude after taking off after his meeting with the late Muammar Gaddafi.

“All of a sudden, over the desert, the plane could not ascend. It had become heavy, and for almost 30 minutes, it refused to gain altitude. When you looked down, all you could see was the desert. Eeeii! What was about to happen to us here?” he reflected.

For him, what worsened his anxiety was the act of poor communication by the crew members at the time.

“The pilot remained silent, not communicating anything to us,” Kufuor remarked, highlighting the unsettling atmosphere on board.

They observed flight attendants hastily moving luggage towards their seats, further intensifying fears. As passengers grew increasingly uneasy, they noticed the flight attendants hastily moving luggage towards their seats, further intensifying fears.

However, in a desperate attempt to ensure safety, Mr Kufour said, “The plane managed to manoeuvre and made a turn to align over the Mediterranean Sea, although it was still struggling to fly at a higher altitude for nearly an hour before we finally landed in Tripoli."

"As we were landing, we noticed fire tenders and security vehicles speeding across the airport tarmac. That was when the pilot confirmed that the plane couldn’t fly any higher, so he had to return to Tripoli,” he said, reflecting on the chaos and concern surrounding their arrival.

Several statesmen, international dignitaries, and sympathizers have extended their deepest condolences to the incumbent government and Ghana as a whole over the tragic loss of eight individuals after a helicopter crash in the general area of Sikaman near Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.

The deceased are Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who is the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed—Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary candidate; Squadron leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Mensah.

Reacting to the unfortunate incident, former President Nana Akufo-Addo prayed for peaceful rest for the deceased while condoling with the bereaved families.

In a Facebook post, the former president wrote:

"The entire nation is profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the military helicopter crash that has led to the deaths of Hon. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment and Science, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, in the Adansi area of the Ashanti region, as announced by the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Mr. Julius Debrah, this afternoon.

I have spoken and extended my deepest condolences to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and to Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman of the NDC. I condole with our gallant men of the Ghana Airforce at this concerning time and salute their indispensable role in the public life of our country and extend further, my condolences to the bereaved families.

May they find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again."

Former Vice President also followed suit with a solemn message. He also prayed for strength and healing for the entire country in this difficult time.

"A while ago, I communicated to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, my deepest condolences following the heart-wrenching news of the loss of two of our nation’s Ministers and six others in a helicopter crash earlier today.

The fallen men paid the ultimate price in the service of our motherland leaving a shocked nation in pain. I know most of the deceased personally and equally feel a sense of loss to see their demise under such horrid circumstances.

Samira, I, the Bawumia family, and the NPP join the nation in mourning them. May the good Lord grant the bereaved families, the Government and people of Ghana strength and healing in this time of tragedy," he wrote in a Facebook post.

The Minority in Parliament while expressing their condolences charged all Ghanaians to honour the eight souls by "supporting our Armed Forces, protecting Ghana's environment, and working together for our nation's security and prosperity."

"Let us channel our grief into renewed determination to build the Ghana they envisioned where public service is viewed as a sacred trust and every citizen can contribute to our national progress.May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their memories remain everlasting beacons of light, guiding us towards a more united and prosperous Ghana," the Minority added in a press statement.

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has also expressed her condolences to the country and bereaved families.

President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has also sympathised with the West African country.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah stated: “It is with profound sorrow that I learned of the military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, 6th August, 2025, in the southern Ashanti Region of Ghana. The tragic incident claimed the lives of eight people, among them two Cabinet ministers: Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, as well as three Ghana Armed Forces crew members and other senior officials.”

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.

The Ghana Armed Forces has informed the general public that it has commenced investigations into the unfortunate incident.

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

Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed will be laid to rest today.

The families of Alhaji Ibrajim Zeng noted that he would be buried at Zujung cemetery after all converge at the Anbariya Islamic Institute—Nyanshegu at 10:00 am for Janaza prayer.

Profile of Defense Minister

Dr. 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.