Show restraint, dignity in helicopter crash coverage — GJA to media
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including five senior government officials and three military personnel, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, the association extended its condolences to the bereaved families, President John Dramani Mahama, and the Ghana Armed Forces, describing the incident as a devastating national loss.
The victims were on board a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 military helicopter that crashed in the dense forests of the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region.
Among those who perished were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former NDC Parliamentary Candidate, Samuel Aboagye; and NDC National Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong.
Also on board were the military crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft lost radar contact while en route to Obuasi, sparking an intensive search and rescue operation.
The wreckage was discovered hours later, with all eight occupants confirmed dead. The bodies have since been recovered and transported to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
President Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning Thursday, August 7, in honor of the fallen officials and military personnel.
According to government sources, the delegation was on a mission to address illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), a critical national issue with environmental, security, and economic ramifications.
In its statement, the GJA called for restraint and sensitivity in media coverage of the tragedy. The association condemned the circulation of graphic images from the crash site, labeling it “highly insensitive” and a violation of journalistic ethics.
“We must honor the memory of the departed by treating this incident with the dignity and respect the deceased deserve. The circulation of gory images only deepens the grief of families and communities already devastated by the loss,” the GJA stated.
The association reminded journalists and media houses of their duty to uphold the highest ethical standards, especially in moments of national mourning. It urged both traditional and digital media platforms, as well as the general public, to desist from sharing disturbing visual content that could retraumatize families and disrupt the nation’s healing process.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash.
The call comes amid growing demands from civil society and the public for clarity and accountability.
President Mahama, in response to the sudden ministerial voids, has directed the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to assume additional responsibility as caretaker Minister for Defence.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, has also been assigned to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, the GJA stressed that all media reporting should be driven by compassion, professionalism, and responsibility to preserve the dignity of the deceased and support the national mourning effort.
