Residents of Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region are set to undergo psychological therapy weeks after a military helicopter crash claimed eight lives, leaving the community in deep shock.
The tragedy occurred on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Z-9 helicopter crashed into the Sikaman forest, reportedly hitting a tree before catching fire. All eight passengers on board were burnt beyond recognition.
The victims included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane-Boamah, former Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, the pilot; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Two Muslim victims were buried on August 10, while the remaining six were laid to rest on August 15 at the Tse Addo Military Cemetery in Accra. President John Dramani Mahama later approved posthumous promotions for the fallen officers.
To address the community’s trauma, government psychologists have been deployed to assess the emotional impact and conduct therapy sessions for affected residents.
Assembly Member for Sikaman, Mathew Baah, told Adom News that the team has already met with the traditional council and will return to hold therapy sessions.
“The community has been deeply affected by this tragedy, and the psychologists will help those struggling with the mental toll,” Mr. Baah said.
He also noted an unusual development in the area: the sudden appearance of black flies two weeks after the crash.
“They come in the morning, disappear in the afternoon, and return in the evening. They haven’t caused health problems yet, but their presence is strange,” he explained. Authorities are yet to determine whether the invasion of black flies is linked to the crash or to environmental changes.
Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom
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