A tragic Ghana Air Force helicopter crash near Obuasi has claimed the lives of at least eight people, according to official and eyewitness reports.

The Z9 utility helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Shortly after takeoff, it lost radar contact and was later found engulfed in flames.

Eyewitness footage circulating on social media shows the wreckage burning intensely, with victims burnt beyond recognition. Emergency responders and Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel are currently at the scene, carrying out recovery operations.

In an official statement, Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the GAF, confirmed the incident and noted that initial efforts were focused on re-establishing contact before the wreckage was located.

The purpose of the flight and the identities of those on board have not yet been disclosed. The Z9 helicopter is commonly used by the Ghana Air Force for transport and medical evacuation missions.

Although the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, early speculation suggests possible technical failure or adverse weather conditions.

This incident marks one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in Ghana’s recent history, raising renewed concerns about aircraft safety and maintenance in the region.