Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has shared how the late Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, changed his plans of boarding a commercial flight for GAF’s Helicopter.
According to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Murtala called him to arrange a car to pick him up at the Prempeh International Airport so he could attend the government lunch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
In a Facebook post, Dr Frank Amoakohene wrote, “Yesterday, around 4 pm, Hon. Murtala called me. His first words were that he admired my energy and was proud of me. I humbly replied, “Oh senior, I am only learning at your feet,” and we both laughed. He then requested that I arrange a vehicle to pick him up at the Kumasi Airport at 7 am for today’s programme”.
“At 9 am this morning, the driver informed me that Hon. had not reached out. I tried calling, thinking he might be airborne on AWA or Passion Air, never imagining that he had changed plans to join the helicopter”, he added.
The Ashanti regional minister further mourned Dr Ibrahim Murtala, “We have lost him in this tragic crash and seeing him lifeless this afternoon broke my heart painfully. My heart is heavy, my mind is numb. We have lost a fine leader,
Rest well, Hon. Murtala. Your words of encouragement will forever remain with me”.
Ghana lost eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.
Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.
The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced some interim ministerial appointments following the death of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in a statement, announced that Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to assume additional responsibility as Minister for Defence with immediate effect.
Also, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has been appointed to act as interim Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Additionally, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called for an independent and transparent investigation.
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the Bureau of Public Safety issued a statement labelling the issue as a national tragedy.
The Bureau of Public Safety called on the government to go beyond internal inquiries and thoroughly investigate the accident.
The statement read, “The tragedy calls not only for empathy but for a credible, evidence-based investigation and transparent communication”.
“This is a moment that calls for national unity, truth, and action. The lessons we draw from this tragedy must lead to stronger safety systems and enhanced operational accountability—both in our skies and on the ground.”
See the post below: