The Z9 military helicopter met its fate in a dense forest while en route from Accra to Obuasi, resulting in no survivors among its eight occupants. President Mahama, in a heartfelt televised announcement, expressed profound personal loss over the tragedy and declared three days of national mourning, with flags lowered to half-mast across the country. The incident has been marked by a shared grief among Ghanaians as they grapple with the news of such unexpected loss.

The helicopter crash site has already been secured, and forensic samples are being analyzed in South Africa. While a full investigation is underway, initial reports suggest that weather conditions may have played a role as eyewitnesses noted the helicopter flying low amid foggy weather before it crashed. The incident marks the deadliest in a series of accidents involving Ghana Air Force helicopters in recent years, raising concerns and prompting urgent answers.

President Mahama has suspended his activities for the week as the country mourns, preparing for a state funeral set for August 15. Both ministers had recently been involved in significant national issues, with Boamah focusing on security threats and Muhammed addressing the damaging effects of illegal mining in Ghana.