Tamale, Northern Region—August 7, 2025
The King of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty Ndan Ya-Na II, has extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Ghana following the tragic military helicopter crash at the Dampia Range Forest Reserve in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The accident, described by the Ya-Na as a “monumental national tragedy,” claimed the lives of eight people, including Hon. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, a distinguished son of Dagbon, and Hon. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, a respected son of Gonjaland.
Also among the dead were senior government officials and Air Force personnel, namely Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, crew member.
In a statement issued by the Gbewaa Palace on Thursday, the Ya-Na said the loss was “a heartbreaking blow to the soul of the nation,” adding that the deceased were “men of valour and intellect, with unwavering dedication to the progress, security, and prosperity of our motherland.”
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, earlier announced the names of the victims, describing them as distinguished citizens who had served the country with honour.
The Ya-Na noted that the grief extended beyond the bereaved families to all Ghanaians, calling for renewed national determination to uphold unity and stability.
“On behalf of the Chiefs and People of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty offers prayers for the eternal rest of their noble souls,” the statement read. “May the Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant them Jannatul Firdaus and provide strength and comfort to the grieving families and the nation.”
The crash is among the worst military aviation disasters in Ghana in recent years. Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
