A military helicopter crashed Wednesday in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, with initial reports indicating fatalities among those on board, including some victims who were reportedly burned beyond recognition.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed that the helicopter—a Harbin Z-9, a Chinese-built utility aircraft—lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had departed on the morning of August 6, 2025, en route to Obuasi, a mining hub in southern Ghana, before disappearing from radar.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene following reports of the crash. The exact cause of the incident remains unclear, and the military has yet to provide a detailed account of the circumstances or a definitive casualty count.
The helicopter was carrying eight individuals at the time of the crash—three crew members and five passengers, according to military sources. The identities of those on board have not been officially disclosed pending notification of next of kin.
“The Ghana Armed Forces are actively working with other national agencies to determine the cause of the incident and to account for all personnel involved,” the GAF said in a brief statement Wednesday afternoon.
Military crash investigations in Ghana typically involve multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Aviation Authority. Analysts say the Z-9 fleet has been under scrutiny in recent years due to maintenance concerns and operational limitations.
This marks one of the most serious aviation incidents involving Ghana’s military in recent years. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses and recovery efforts continue at the crash site.
