The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five senior government officials and three military crew members on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 7, the GJA extended its condolences to the bereaved families, President John Dramani Mahama, and the Ghana Armed Forces, describing the incident as a profound national tragedy.
The association also appealed to media outlets and the public to stop sharing disturbing images from the crash site, stressing that doing so disrespects the memory of the deceased and causes further emotional distress to grieving families.
Among the victims were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong. The helicopter crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also lost their lives in the crash.
Reports indicate the victims were on an official mission to Obuasi, linked to anti-illegal mining operations, when their Z-9 military helicopter went off radar and crashed. Their bodies have been transported to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
In light of the tragedy, President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7.
The GJA called on journalists to uphold the highest ethical standards and report with compassion and professionalism. “We must honour the memory of the departed by treating this incident with the dignity and respect the deceased deserve,” the statement read. It also described the ongoing circulation of graphic images as “highly insensitive” and a clear breach of journalistic ethics.
The association urged both traditional and digital media platforms—as well as the general public—to desist from sharing such content, noting that it hinders the national healing process and intensifies the grief of affected families.
Meanwhile, calls for an independent investigation into the crash continue to grow. The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has demanded a transparent inquiry to uncover the cause of the accident.
To maintain continuity in government operations, President Mahama has appointed Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Acting Minister for Defence and Lands Minister Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
