A delegation from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), led by Director-General Kwesi Afreh Binney and his deputy Adam Sulley, has laid wreaths and lit candles in a somber ceremony to honor the eight victims of the recent Ghana Air Force helicopter crash.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of prominent government officials and crew members.
Addressing the media, Mr. Binney shared his profound shock upon hearing the news, describing the reality as a difficult blow. He paid a deeply personal tribute to the victims, noting his close relationship with three of them.
“I’ve had a personal relationship with three of them, and for me, the one person that stands out is Omane,” he said. “I call him the strategist, ever calm. We both come from the Eastern Region, and we would often discuss plans to take the region to the next level. I wish my brother a peaceful rest.”
Binney affirmed that SSNIT is implementing measures to support the victims’ families, stating that the Trust has begun a review of the names of those affected. He emphasized that SSNIT is more than just a pension scheme; it is also designed to automatically cover individuals who lose their lives while performing their national duties.
The ceremony concluded with the SSNIT staff singing a hymn, wishing the departed souls a peaceful rest.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter carrying eight people crashed into a forested mountainside in the Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The aircraft had departed from Kotoka International Airport in Accra, heading to an event in Obuasi organized under the auspices of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey .
All eight people on board perished in the crash. The victims included five passengers and three crew members. Among the deceased were high-ranking government officials; Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Ghana Armed Forces, with the Ghana National Fire Service also assisting. Both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered.
Story by: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
