John Mahama appoints Ato Forson, Armah Buah to key roles after fatal helicopter crash

By Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo

In response to the devastating military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several senior government officials, President John Dramani Mahama has announced new ministerial appointments to fill critical roles within his administration.

In a statement dated Thursday, August 7, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President directed Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the current Minister for Finance, to assume additional responsibilities as Minister for Defence.

Similarly, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has been appointed to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, pending further notice.

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Press Statement

These changes come in the aftermath of the tragic Z-9 military helicopter crash near Adansi-Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of:

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology

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Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament

Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The officials were reportedly en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme when the aircraft lost radar contact shortly after taking off from Accra.

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Also among the casualties were military personnel aboard the flight, including

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Addressing the press, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as a national disaster. He announced that national flags would be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased until further notice.

In a show of national solidarity and mourning, President Mahama has declared a three-day period of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7, 2025. All government activities have been suspended for the remainder of the week.

This tragedy marks one of the darkest moments in Ghana’s recent political history, prompting both grief and a swift government response to maintain stability in key sectors.