Ghana's President Mahama Appoints Acting Ministers After Tragic Crash
President Mahama appoints Dr. Ato Forson and Emmanuel Buah as acting Defence and Environment ministers following the tragic loss of ministers Boamah and Mohammed in helicopter crash.
President John Mahama announces interim ministerial appointments following tragic helicopter crash
In a swift response to the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of key government officials, President John Mahama has demonstrated decisive leadership by appointing interim ministers to ensure continuity in critical government portfolios.
Strategic Ministerial Appointments
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been appointed as acting Defence Minister, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah will temporarily oversee the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio. These appointments follow the devastating loss of Ministers Omane Boamah and Murtala Mohammed in the August 6 helicopter crash.
National Response and Mourning
The government has implemented several measures to honor the deceased:
- National flags ordered to fly at half-mast indefinitely
- Three days of national mourning declared from August 7, 2025
- President Mahama suspended official duties for the week
- Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang scheduled to visit bereaved families
Crash Investigation and Impact
The tragic incident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District, claimed eight lives, including prominent government officials and military personnel. The Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed while en route to Obuasi, with eyewitnesses reporting that the aircraft lost balance after hitting a tree and a mountain before bursting into flames.
Casualties Identified
The crash claimed the lives of several distinguished public servants, including:
- Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru
- Former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Samuel Sarpong
- Former Parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye
- Military personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Edwin Gyimah
Ghanaian journalist, covering African affairs for the past 10 years.