AUC chairperson mourns Ghana helicopter crash victims
By Mustafa Juma, August 7, 2025The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior cabinet ministers.
In a statement released on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Youssouf conveyed his heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana, as well as to the bereaved families of the deceased.
Among the victims were Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The two were on an official mission when their helicopter went down, resulting in a national tragedy that has shaken the West African nation.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali, has learned with deep sorrow of the tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana, which claimed the lives of eight people, including Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Hon. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed,” the statement shared via the African Union’s official X account read in part.
Support to Ghana Armed Forces
Youssouf has also extended his support to the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), acknowledging the loss as a significant blow to the country’s leadership and national development agenda.
The African Union has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states in moments of crisis and national mourning.
“The Chairperson conveys his heartfelt condolences to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families of all those who lost their lives in this national tragedy,” the statement read.
“He also expresses his solidarity with the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress during this difficult time. H.E. Mr Youssouf stated, “The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”
Ghana chopper crash
The Ghana Armed Forces had earlier said the Z9 helicopter, which was carrying three crew and five passengers, had gone “off the radar”.
It had taken off from the capital, Accra, at 09:12 local time (and GMT) and was heading to the town of Obuasi for an event to tackle illegal mining.
The chief of staff has directed the country’s flags to fly at half-mast.