The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on all media outlets and the general public to immediately desist from sharing gory images related to the tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The crash claimed the lives of five senior government officials and three members of the military crew, marking one of the darkest days in the country’s recent history.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 7, the GJA expressed its profound sorrow over the national tragedy and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, President John Dramani Mahama, and the Ghana Armed Forces. The association described the event as a devastating loss to the nation and stressed the need for responsible media conduct in the wake of such painful occurrences.
The deceased included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former Parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong. The Ghana Armed Forces also lost Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, who were operating the military Z-9 helicopter.
The aircraft, which was reportedly en route to Obuasi, went off radar and later crashed, plunging the entire nation into mourning. President Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday, August 7, to honour the fallen statesmen and service members, who were said to be on a mission to address the illegal mining (galamsey) menace.
In its statement, the GJA strongly condemned the circulation of graphic crash images, describing the act as “highly insensitive” and a breach of basic journalistic ethics. “We must honour the memory of the departed by treating this incident with the dignity and respect the deceased deserve,” the association stated. It stressed the need for both traditional and digital media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and exercise discretion in their reportage.
The association further appealed to all media professionals to consider the emotional toll such images place on grieving families and the general public. It emphasized that the role of the press in moments of tragedy must be one of compassion, professionalism, and responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash. As the public demands answers and accountability, President Mahama has taken immediate steps to fill the leadership vacuum created by the tragedy.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been assigned additional duties as Minister for Defence. Likewise, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah has been appointed Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, pending further notice.
The GJA concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to supporting responsible journalism and national healing. It warned that continued sharing of graphic content only deepens national pain and dishonours the legacy of those who died in active service to the country.
