The recent tragic helicopter crash in Ghana, which claimed the lives of several high-profile officials, has sparked a heated political debate. Ellen Ama Daaku, Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has publicly criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC), blaming them for the disaster.
In an interview on Wontumi TV/FM, Ama Daaku argued that the crash could have been prevented if the NDC, during their time in opposition, had not opposed the Akufo-Addo government’s efforts to modernize the Ghana Armed Forces’ fleet with new planes and helicopters.
She recalled how former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, under the Akufo-Addo administration, pushed for military retooling, only to face strong resistance from NDC MPs like Okudzeto Ablakwa. According to Ama Daaku, this opposition delayed the acquisition of vital aircraft, indirectly leading to the fatal crash.
On August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Ashanti Region’s Adansi Akrofuom District while en route to an event in Obuasi focused on fighting illegal mining. The crash killed all eight people on board, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and other key officials.
The wreckage was found burned, with all victims requiring DNA analysis for identification. The Ghana Armed Forces has launched an official investigation, but the cause of the crash remains unknown amid widespread speculation.
This tragedy has not only claimed the lives of prominent leaders but also reopened political wounds, highlighting the urgent need for investment in the country’s military infrastructure to prevent future losses.
