Award winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has called on the media to approach their coverage of the recent Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter crash with sensitivity and empathy, particularly when reporting on the bereaved families.
The crash, which has thrown the nation into mourning, claimed the lives of two prominent government officials: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Sarkodie urged journalists in a Facebook post to prioritise sensitivity over speed, cautioning against rushing to be the first to report news without consideration for those affected.“Wanting to be the first to get exclusives all in the name of content can make you inhumane… Be human first,” he wrote.
The helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. The officials on board were en route to a national event when the tragic incident happened.
The others who lost their lives were; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Samuel Sarpong and National Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC, Mr. Samuel Aboagye. The military officers involved were; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
President John Dramani Mahama consequently declared three days of mourning and cancelled all his scheduled events for the rest of the week. The government further instructed that the national flag must fly at half-mast in recognition of the national loss.
The programme of events began on Thursday, August 7, with a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Jubilee House at 1:00 p.m. This remembrance continued on Friday. The three schedule of programme will end on Saturday, August 9, with a national event dubbed “Evening of Reflections and Memorials”, to be held at the Forecourt of the State House from 5:00 p.m.