The Coalition for Islamic Humanitarian Organisations of Ghana (CIHOG) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians on August 6, 2025, in Adanse near Obuasi.

In a statement signed by Administrator Sulemana Alhassan Atakpo, CIHOG extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, President John Dramani Mahama, and the entire nation, describing the loss as a painful moment for Ghana.

“To the bereaved families, we offer our sincerest sympathies and pray that Allah grants you strength, comfort, and patience during this difficult time,” the statement read.

The organisation paid tribute to the contributions of the deceased, highlighting their dedication to public service, national defence, environmental protection, and social justice. The victims included:

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence, remembered for his commitment to national security.

Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, recognised for promoting sustainable development.

Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, lauded for his diligence.

Dr. Samuel Sarpong – NDC Vice Chairman and advocate for social justice.

Mr. Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate dedicated to public service.

Squadron Leader Peter – Decorated military officer.

Flying Officer Twum Ampadu – Honoured for his bravery.

Sergeant Ernest Addo – Remembered for his dedication to duty.

CIHOG urged Ghanaians to celebrate the legacies of the deceased and to continue building a nation rooted in justice, peace, and compassion.

A state funeral for the victims is scheduled for August 15, 2025.

IC Research forcasts Ghana’s economy to outperform its current targets

The latest report from IC Research has shown that Ghana’s economy is on course to outperform its 2025 macroeconomic targets, driven by strong first-half results.

According to the report, improvements in inflation, exchange rate stability, interest rates, first-quarter GDP growth, and gross international reserves were the key contributors to the positive outlook.

Reviewing the 2025 Mid-Year Budget, IC Research noted that fiscal performance in the first six months delivered a “sizable fiscal adjustment,” surpassing both government targets and its forecasts.

“Our analysis shows renewed discipline in spending and a halt in arrears accumulation, supported by solid tax revenue, despite weaker non-tax revenue. Given the stronger-than-expected fiscal results, the government remains confident in meeting end-2025 macro-fiscal goals, all of which were retained,” the report said.

The report added that the robust first-half performance has alleviated short-term fiscal concerns for 2024, although it cautioned that execution risks remain.

However, authorities have identified key threats and proposed credible mitigation strategies.

Total revenue and grants for the first half of 2025 stood at GH¢99.3 billion, or 7.1% of GDP, 3.2% below target but 8.3% above IC Research’s forecast, boosted by enhanced tax compliance.

SP/MA

Mr Abel Ndego, the Acting Upper East Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), says the mandate of the Authority is not to frustrate businesses.  

He said the Authority’s mandate was rather to help business operators to grow their businesses within the framework of regulation, saying, “As long as we work together to ensure public health and safety, you can always be assured that you will do your business without stress.”  

Mr Ndego told pharmacy and Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicine sellers at a day’s workshop organized by the FDA to sensitize them on the Authority’s guidelines for pharmacy and OTC medicine operators to promote public health and safety through responsible retail practices.  

He said if the operators engaged in acts that threatened public health and safety, they could be sure that the FDA would deal with them, and appealed to them to work within the framework of the law.  

“Avoid any form of illegal activities. We have visited facilities and seen OTCs and some pharmacies dispensing tramadol above 100milligram (mg) strength. Tramadol used to be an OTC medicine, but it is now a controlled drug. So there is no way an OTC is expected to dispense tramadol,” he said.  

Mr Ndego said the only tramadol strength approved by the FDA in Ghana were the 50 and 100mg, and that there was a total ban on any dosage strength above 100mg in Ghana.  

He noted that only pharmacy shops were accredited to dispense the 50 and 100mg of tramadol, adding that it must be dispensed to persons with valid prescriptions by qualified medical officers.  

“In fact per the guidelines that Parliament has approved for tramadol regulation, even with prescription, the prescriber must indicate not just his name, but his membership number and if it’s found out that the prescriber is not in good standing, that prescription becomes invalid.  

“That is how serious the regulation is now. And so for a medical doctor to issue a prescription for tramadol, they must be sure that the person needs it. Now the law is getting more stringent that when we get you with tramadol, is not enough to just fine you. They are pushing for prosecution,” the Acting Head said.  

Mr Ndego said even though the FDA had prosecuted some people, it was not a pleasant process.  

“It is not something we enjoy doing at all. We always want to make sure that we have a very cordial relationship with our clients.”  

Some participants who spoke to the Ghana News Agency after the training, described the initiative by the FDA as “educative and eye-opening”, and called for more of such training programmes to enhance regulatory compliance.  

Ms Gloria Akos Amoh, an OTC medicine seller, said, “I have learnt a lot, especially on the issue of tramadol, and my memory is refreshed on some of the guidelines and regulations. It was a very impactful training programme.”  

Source: GNA  

Government aims to attract US$1.2 billion in new investments to create 150,000

Government aims to attract US$1.2 billion in new investments to create 150,000 jobs in the garment and textiles industry by 2030.

It also plans to revive cotton cultivation across 50,000 hectares to support local raw material supply.

Samson Ahi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, disclosed this at a stakeholder validation workshop on the draft Textiles and Garments Manufacturing Policy in Accra.

He said the policy would provide a coherent and competitive framework to attract investment, enhance productivity, and position Ghana as a sourcing hub for ethical and sustainable apparel manufacturing.

“The draft policy proposes bold interventions ranging from the establishment of five world-class industrial parks to the creation of dedicated funds for cotton development and textile upgradation, to the provision of fiscal incentives and concessional tariffs for manufacturers,” he stated.

Ahi described the sector as both a cultural emblem and a strategic anchor of the Government’s Industrialisation Agenda, with potential to generate employment, especially for women and youth, while boosting export diversification and sustainable development.

“Our garment export sub-sector, although growing steadily, is yet to reach its full potential. At the same time, we face the dual challenges of increasing imports of finished garments and the erosion of domestic production capacity,” he added.

He urged stakeholders to help revitalise Ghana’s textile legacy and unlock the full potential of the garments sector.

Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, also called on stakeholders to take ownership of the policy.

“Don’t just validate, validate with a reason. If there are things that are lacking to give it the quality of a private drive, please put it in,” he said.

By Nii Martey M. Botchway

The Ghana Armed Forces Council has held an emergency meeting on Friday, in response to the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, at Sikaman in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region.

The meeting which was convened and chaired by the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang also aimed at discussing other pressing matters related to the Armed Forces.

A statement issued by the Office of the Vice President said, the Council stands in solidarity with their compatriots and the families affected by the crash.

Accompanied by other government officials, the council visited the home of Dr. Omane Boamah to offer support to his family during this difficult time.

GNA

Pictures: FHCB

The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, paid a visit to the family of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, to offer their condolences.

Also present were high-ranking officials of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) who also came to sympathise with the family of their late minister.

Dr Omane Boamah, along with seven others, died in the recent helicopter crash at Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region.

Mr Nketiah was accompanied by a delegation of senior NDC members, including former Director-General of the National Service Secretariat, Mr Vincent Kuagbenu.

Mr Godwin Ako Gunn, Mrs Faustina Nelson, and Alexander Percival Segbefia were other NDC members spotted at the event.

The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

The others who perished were Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Environment Minister; Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC.

The military crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, also lost their lives in the crash.

The group was en route to an event in Obuasi aimed at combating the menace of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

The national tragedy has brought an outpouring of grief from across the country, with many leaders and citizens paying tribute to the public servants who lost their lives.

The delegation’s visit underscores the party’s and the military’s solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult time.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Former Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Former Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, has categorically denied making insensitive statements about the victims of the helicopter crash.

A social media post alleged that he said the NDC could grieve for the victims, but the NPP would be campaigning.

However, in an interview with Joy FM, Kyei-Mensah Bonsu vehemently refuted the allegations, saying, “I have never made any such statement… I cannot, and you know that this is most unlike me.”

He emphasised that the tragedy should be seen as a national bereavement.

Kyei-Mensah Bonsu explained that he had called for prayers for the deceased ministers and military officers in meetings, acknowledging their service to the Republic of Ghana.

He said, “I’ve had three meetings today, and at the commencement of all the meetings, I’ve called for a prayer for the ministers of state that we have lost.”

He expressed disappointment that someone would twist his words and make false allegations, adding that “I don’t know how any person of good conscience would twist this and make this post. Well, as far as that fellow is concerned, I will leave him in the charge of God. God in the fullness of time will judge him, but I haven’t made any such thing,” he said.

The helicopter had on board the Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and the Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Others were: Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna; former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong; and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.

Members of the helicopter’s crew were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah

They were on a mission to attend to a programme put together by the government to combat scourging illegal mining activities in the Adansi enclave as part of a nationwide clampdown.

NAAB/SEA

Meanwhile, watch below the trailer for GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures:

The alleged scheme involved tricking victims and businesses to send large sums of money

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice have announced the extradition of three Ghanaian nationals accused of orchestrating a large-scale international fraud scheme that defrauded victims of more than $100 million.

The suspects, identified as Isaac Boateng popularly known as Kofi Boat, Inusah Ahmed and Derrick Van Yeboah, were extradited from Ghana to face charges in the United States.

US State Department, FBI ‘clear’ Ken Ofori-Atta’s extradition request – Report

According to the FBI, the trio allegedly belonged to a transnational criminal organisation engaged in romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) operations.

“These actors were allegedly part of an international criminal organisation that conducted romance scams and business email compromises, stealing over $100 million from dozens of victims,” the FBI stated in an official post on Thursday, August 8, 2025.

The alleged scheme involved tricking victims, both individuals and businesses, into sending large sums of money under false pretences.

Dada Joe accused of $2.9 million fraud by FBI – Report states

The FBI has intensified its crackdown on such cyber-enabled crimes in recent years, working with law enforcement partners across borders to bring perpetrators to justice.

Romance scams typically involve cultivating fake online relationships to exploit victims financially, while BEC schemes target companies by compromising business email accounts to redirect payments to fraudulent bank accounts.

AM/SEA

Meanwhile, watch below the trailer for GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures:

Karela United have reached an agreement to sign former Bibiani Gold Stars midfielder Frank Amankwah on a two-year contract, sources close to the deal have confirmed.

The 31-year-old, a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, is expected to officially put pen to paper in the coming days after finalising personal terms. Amankwah’s arrival will add steel, creativity, and experience to the Karela midfield as the club prepares for the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.

A proven winner, Amankwah was part of a Premier League title-winning squad earlier in his career and is widely admired for his tireless work rate, precise passing, and ability to influence games in both halves of the pitch.

Karela United’s management see him as a key signing in their quest to challenge for a top-four finish and possibly secure continental football. The midfielder is expected to join pre-season training immediately after his unveiling.

Fans are already buzzing about the move, describing it as one of the smartest pieces of business this transfer window.

The 8 men who were killed in the helicopter crash on August 6, 2025

The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), on behalf of the Ghanaian private sector, has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

The national tragedy claimed the lives of eight compatriots, including Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister for Defense, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Senior Government Officials, and personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces.

A press statement issued by the GNCCI and made available to the Ghana News Agency, said the Chamber recognised the exceptional public service of the deceased and honour their unwavering commitment to national development.

It said as an institution dedicated to national progress through private sector leadership, they extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, and all affected institutions.

It said may the memory of the departed be honoured with dignity and lasting gratitude.

Fisherfolks at Keta experience bumper catch

The fisherfolks at Keta in the Volta Region are rejoicing over a bumper catch in recent fishing expeditions in the first week of August 2025 which has brought relief and joy to the fishing community.

The abundant catch has been attributed to the favourable fishing conditions and the efforts of the fisherfolks in adhering to sustainable fishing practices with varieties of fish species caught such as tilapia, and anchovies, among others.

Simon Tettey, a fisherman, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that the bumper catch was expected to have a positive impact on the local economy as it would lead to increased sales and revenue for the fisherfolks.

“This bumper harvest will in turn improve our livelihoods and that of other fishermen and their families for better, we are expecting more catch in the subsequent days,” he said.

He said that the improved livelihoods of the fisherfolks would also have a positive impact on the overall well-being of the communities and increased income would also enable all fisherfolks to access better healthcare, education, and other essential services with ease.

Tettey said that the fishing communities in Keta such as Tetevikope, Abutiakope, Dzelukope, Kedzikope, Vodza among others were celebrating the bumper harvest with great enthusiasm.

The fishermen thanked the authorities, stakeholders and the gods for the support and blessing over the just ended closed fishing season, which exempted artisanal fishers during the one-month period.

“The bumper harvest is a welcome development for the fishing communities which faced several challenges in recent years. The growth of the industry will contribute to the economic development growth and food security.”

Madam Mawufemor Woadi, a fishmonger, told the GNA that despite the bumper harvest experienced so far, the fisherfolks at Keta shores still faced several challenges, including the threat of illegal fishing practices and the impact of climate change on fish stocks.

She appealed to the stakeholders, heads of fishing institutions, and other authorities to provide support and protection to avoid collapse of the fishing industry.

She urged all fisherfolks in the various communities at Keta to be committed to sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term viability of the industry and to work together to protect the marine ecosystem to help the fishing industry to thrive.

Some other residents GNA engaged at the shores at Keta expressed excitement over the bumper harvest and appealed to fisherfolks to sell the catches at affordable prices to have positive impact and benefit for all communities.

The Keta Municipal Assembly and other authorities have also promised to provide support to the fisherfolks, including an improved infrastructure and equipment to further boost the fishing industry and improve the livelihoods of the fishermen.

In the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of eight individuals, including key government officials, Dr Ken Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has chastised politically exposed individuals involved in illegal mining activities.

The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

Among the deceased were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Environment Minister—both staunch advocates against illegal mining practices.

They were accompanied by Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC.

Tragically, the military crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, also lost their lives in the crash.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on August 8, Dr Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, called for a shift from mourning to meaningful action to tackle illegal mining (galamsey).

The deceased persons were on their way to the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP) in Obuasi to address illegal mining.

“All of those politically exposed people who are involved in galamsey, the blood of these eight is on your head. You’d better have a change of heart, repent, and step out of it. Enough is enough,” he declared, underscoring the moral implications of their involvement in illegal mining operations.

“I am appealing to the emotions of all of us Ghanaians that we should not just weep for this case and let it pass. We should channel that into positive action. This should be a point of reflection,” he emphasised, urging citizens to demand genuine accountability in the fight against galamsey (illegal mining).

Dr Ashigbey criticised the government’s approach to dealing with illegal miners, emphasising that mere deportation is insufficient. “We should not just deport galamseyers but make sure they pay fully for the fines stipulated and serve the full sentences that apply. We need to send a strong signal that Ghana is closing this criminal business,” he asserted.

Preliminary reports indicate that the officials were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi, a well-known hotspot for illegal mining activities, when the aircraft lost radar contact.

Due to the condition of the remains, samples have been sent to South Africa for DNA testing to assist in identification.

The tragedy has reignited discussions around the dangers posed by illegal mining and the urgent need for decisive action from both government officials and the public.

As the country reflects on this devastating loss, Dr Ashigbey’s call for accountability and reform resonates louder than ever, highlighting the critical intersection of governance and environmental stewardship in Ghana.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The government had declared three-day of National mourning effective August 7, 2025

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has joined the nation in mourning the tragic loss of eight lives, including two ministers of state, in the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash.

A release signed by the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) stated that the port authority stands in solemn solidarity with the Presidency, the affected Ministries, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the bereaved families as the country comes to terms with this painful tragedy.

“In honour of their devoted service to the country, we are flying the national flag at half-mast across all our installations,” it stated.

“May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their families be comforted – today and always.”

The eight national officers were in the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter when it crashed in the Adansi-Akrofuom District.

They were enroute to Obuasi to participate in the formal launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at combating illegal small‑scale mining (commonly referred to as “galamsey”) and promoting responsible, skill‑based mining practices.

They included two cabinet Ministers-Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology, Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

The other six were Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, a former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Aboagye, Former Parliamentary Candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The government had declared three-day of National mourning effective August 7, 2025 and had commenced public laying of flowers at the Jubilee House Ceremonial Garden.