The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a strong caution to bloggers, social media influencers, and other content creators regarding the spread of unverified information following the helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, involving its personnel and government officials.
In a statement signed and issued by Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the GAF expressed concern about the rapid circulation of misleading reports, speculative claims, and graphic images relating to the incident. It noted that such actions not only undermine official investigations but also cause unnecessary distress to the families of those involved.
“For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panellists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families,” it said.
The GAF acknowledged the strong public interest in the crash and assured that thorough investigations had begun to determine the exact cause. It pledged to leave no stone unturned, including working with international experts if necessary, to bring closure to the tragedy.
“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement read.
The caution comes in the wake of heightened online activity after the military helicopter crash, with some bloggers and content creators posting unconfirmed casualty figures and speculative accounts of the cause.
The GAF stressed that sharing such content without verification could compromise operational security and hinder accurate communication to the public.
The Armed Forces further reminded content creators that Ghana’s laws on misinformation and national security breaches apply to digital platforms, and offenders could face prosecution.
While investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, the GAF reassured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure transparency and the safety of personnel.
The GAF also expressed gratitude to the government, institutions, and individuals who have shown support since the crash. It also extended condolences to the families of the service members who lost their lives, describing them as patriots whose sacrifices will be remembered, adding that “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace.”
The helicopter, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9, crashed en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP). Among the victims were Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, key security and political figures, and three crew members. The crash occurred in the Ashanti region and has been described as one of Ghana’s most devastating air disasters in recent memory.
The tragic event has drawn nationwide sympathy, with political leaders, civil society groups, and citizens sending messages of support to the former president and all those impacted.
Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed were in a military helicopter crash.
Others who died in the unfortunate national tragedy were Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Dr Samuel Sarpong, the Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ashanti Regional Minister.
The rest are Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The cause remains under investigation, with the black box recovered to aid inquiries. President John Mahama declared three days of national mourning, ordered flags at half-mast, and announced a state funeral for August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square.
