GAF Helicopter Crash: Photo of Late Murtala Mohammed and Ex Chelsea Star Willian Trends
- A resurfaced photo of the late Dr Murtala Muhammed alongside a former Chelsea star in London has sparked emotional reactions online
- Dr Muhammed, Ghana’s Environment Minister, was one of eight victims who tragically lost their lives in the Obuasi helicopter crash
- Sports Minister Kofi Adams has lashed out at illegal miners, calling for decisive action to end the menace
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Two days have passed since a devastating loss struck the nation, yet the sorrow remains heavy.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, eight distinguished men, each serving Ghana in different capacities, tragically perished in a helicopter crash that has plunged the country into mourning.
Source: Getty Images
Tragic helicopter crash takes the lives of 8 lives
The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region as the group journeyed from Accra to Obuasi for an important state assignment.
Among the deceased were two cabinet ministers, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who headed the Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
Also on board the ill-fated Z-9 military helicopter were Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong, and Obuasi East’s former parliamentary candidate for the 2024 elections, Samuel Aboagye.
The military crew piloting the aircraft, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, also lost their lives.
Source: Facebook
They were all en route to a key event that underscored Ghana’s renewed fight against illegal mining activities.
Since the announcement of the incident, tributes have flooded in from across the country.
President John Dramani Mahama declared a three-day national mourning period beginning Thursday, August 7.
Flags are flying at half-mast, and the air is filled with grief as Ghanaians come to terms with what many are calling “Black Wednesday.”
Remembering Murtala Mohammed: A candid flashback
As the nation reflects, a touching image has resurfaced, one that captures the late Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed during a lighter moment.
The photo, shared by @Popony_J on X, shows him at Heathrow Airport, posing happily with former Chelsea winger Willian Borges da Silva.
Dressed semi-officially, the then MP for Tamale Central wore a broad smile as he stood beside the Brazilian star.
Willian, who earned respect across England during his time with Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham, is considered one of Brazil’s finest exports to the English Premier League.
Source: Getty Images
According to Transfermarkt, he played in 327 matches, scoring 47 goals and providing as many assists.
Although Dr Murtala didn’t publicly express a passion for football, many believe he leaned toward Chelsea, while his late colleague, Dr Boamah, was a known Arsenal fan.
Dr Murtala was not just a public servant; he was a family man, deeply rooted in his Islamic faith and a proud father of three.
His untimely death, along with those of his fellow compatriots, has created a void that will take a long time to fill.
Sports Minister slams illegal miners after helicopter crash
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Sports Minister Hon. Kofi Adams issued a strong rebuke against illegal miners in the aftermath of the tragic helicopter crash.
His remarks, filled with sorrow and anger, targeted the destructive impact of galamsey on Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and now, the loss of innocent lives.
Source: YEN.com.gh
