President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the tragic Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on August 6, 2025.
During a national address on Thursday, President Mahama assured Ghanaians that an Investigative Board of Inquiry has been constituted to determine the cause of the crash. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders have already been recovered, and identification of the victims is underway.
“This tragedy deserves answers,” the President said. “The Ghana Armed Forces are taking every step to uncover the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event.”
In the ensuing case between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) over unpaid service fees, GRA has clarified that the said past transactions lack the necessary regulatory and governance approvals required for payment.
GRA noted in a press release issued by the Communication and Public Affairs Department, that the so-called debt stems from a legacy arrangement made prior to 2025.
It, however, expressed surprise over recent media reports and public statements by the NIA which alleged that GRA was disconnected from the NIA’s Identity Verification System (IVS) due to unpaid fees. Emphasizing that, its operations are guided by transparency and compliance with governance protocols, in line with the current administration’s “reset” vision. As such, the Authority cannot act on transactions that fall outside regulatory frameworks.
The release also revealed that the NIA has long operated desk offices within GRA premises nationwide, registering individuals and issuing Ghana Cards without paying rent or utility fees. Despite this, GRA insists it remains committed to inter-agency cooperation and ongoing high-level discussions aimed at resolving the issue.
While GRA has identified procedural breaches and the absence of a formal service agreement, it reiterated its readiness to collaborate with NIA to integrate the Ghana Card into the tax system.
GRA concluded by reassuring taxpayers and the public of its unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, service, and national development.
Below is the full statement from GRA:
5th August, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RE-NIA DISCONNECTS GRA FROM IDENTITY VERIFICATION PLATFORM OVER UNPAID FEES
The attention of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been drawn to recent media reports and public statements by the National Identification Authority (NIA), alleging GRA’s indebtedness to the NIA leading to disconnecting GRA from their Identity Verification Platform (IVS).
GRA expresses great surprise to the averments made by NIA and wishes to clarify the issue as follows:
• There appears to be a Legacy Debt inherited as a result of some services rendered to the Authority by NIA prior to 2025.
• From the GRA’s present assessment, there were no regulatory and governance
approvals for the transaction that created the purported debt. GRA’s principles of
transparency, compliance and governance protocols do not permit enforcement of
transactions that do not meet regulatory requirements, particularly as demanded
by the reset vision of the President and the Government.
• As part of the existing arrangements between the two agencies, NIA was allowed and had set up their desk offices at GRA premises nation-wide where they register individuals and issue them with the National Identification cards without paying rent and utilities to the GRA for years.
• There are current high-level discussions between the two agencies in resolving the
issues particularly where GRA has identified some procedural breaches and
cannot affirm the existence of a service agreement between the parties.
• GRA acknowledges the importance of inter-agency collaboration in achieving
national objectives, including the integration of the Ghana Card into the tax system.
In this regard, GRA extends collaborative hands to NIA while emphasing the need
to improve our cordial relationship and resolve matters amicably.
• GRA uses this opportunity to reassure taxpayers and the general public of its
commitment and adherence to its values of fairness, integrity, responsiveness,
service and teamwork.
ISSUED BY: COMMUNICATION & PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
ACCRA, GHANA – August 7, 2025 – The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash that occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, near Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region. The crash claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians, including senior government officials and military personnel.
PRINPAG extends its heartfelt condolences to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the Government of Ghana, the bereaved families, the Ghana Armed Forces, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and all Ghanaians affected by this devastating national tragedy.
The nation has suffered a profound loss with the deaths of dedicated public servants, including Dr. Omane-Boamah and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. We also mourn the untimely passing of the other six individuals on board: Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah. Their contributions to our nation will not be forgotten.
In the wake of this tragedy, PRINPAG urges all journalists, particularly its members, to exercise the utmost responsibility and sensitivity in their reportage. We must remember that behind every name is a family grieving a loved one. We implore our colleagues to avoid sensationalism, respect the privacy of the bereaved families, and report only accurate, verified information. This is a time for national mourning, and we must uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics and professionalism.
PRINPAG stands in solidarity with the nation in mourning this irreplaceable loss. We call on the general public to allow the bereaved families space to grieve in peace and encourage all Ghanaians to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
Mwihoko, Kiambu County – A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military helicopter has crashed in Mwihoko, Githurai area on Thursday afternoon, August 7, with several people feared dead, according to eyewitnesses and initial reports.
Eyewitnesses Report Loud Explosion
Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion around 15:10 PM followed by smoke rising from a nearby thicket. A quick response team including firefighters, Kenya Red Cross, and KDF officers was dispatched to the scene.
“We heard a huge bang and rushed to the scene. The chopper was already on fire and several bodies could be seen,” said a resident who arrived minutes after the crash.
Military and Emergency Response
The Kenya Defence Forces has not yet released an official statement, but sources indicate that the aircraft was on a routine training flight when it lost control and crashed. Initial reports suggest there were military personnel on board, though the number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
Authorities have cordoned off the area to allow for investigations and recovery efforts. Emergency response teams are working to contain the fire and search for survivors.
Investigation Launched
The Ministry of Defence is expected to issue a full statement on the incident. Preliminary investigations will look into possible technical malfunctions or weather-related complications that could have contributed to the crash.
Previous Similar Incidents
This is not the first time a KDF aircraft has been involved in an accident. In June 2021, a KDF helicopter crashed in Kajiado County during training, killing several officers. The Mwihoko crash raises fresh concerns about the state and maintenance of military aircraft in Kenya.
Public Advised to Stay Away
Authorities are urging members of the public to stay away from the crash site to allow emergency services to operate effectively and safely.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow on Kenya News.
Ghanaian public are in a state of deep agony over sad news coming from the Adansi enclave where a military helicopter crashed this morning.
Government’s Spokesperson, Hon Felix Kwakye is expected to address the nation any moment from now.
It is feared Defence Minister, Dr Omane Boamah, was in the helicopter which was carrying 3 crew members and 5 passengers believed to be senior government officials.
Below is the Press Release from the Ghana Armed Forces:
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 6 August 2025
MISSING GHANA AIRFORCE Z9 HELICOPTER
A GAF helicopter. Z9 that took off this morning at 0912hrs from Accra and heading for Obuasi is currently off the radar. All efforts are being made to establish contact. On board were 3 crew and 5 passengers. Further details to be communicate soon.
Professor John Gartchie Gatsi, Advisor to the Bank of Ghana
By Adnan Adams Mohammed
As Ghana speedily pushes to operationalise Non-Interest Banking And Finance (NIBF) – more popularly known as Islamic Banking – with the assurance of setting up a framework by the end of 2025, finance experts have tagged President John Mahama’s ‘Big Push’ and ‘Feed Ghana Initiative’ as biggest beneficiaries.
They believe NIBF will be a catalyst to finance most of the infrastructural and agricultural revolution as envisioned in the current government’s objectives under the ‘Big Push’ and ‘Feed Ghana Initiative’.
The NIBF, amid its comprehensive and holistic financing system which focuses on more productive results from money as against the conventional financial system which focuses on earning on money, provides secured, guaranteed and highly risk averse sources of funding tailored for specific projects at a time.
To this, the Bank of Ghana is developing a comprehensive framework for the introduction of Non-Interest Banking and Finance (NIBF) in the country. Led by Professor John Gartchie Gatsi, Advisor to the Bank of Ghana, the central bank aims to have this framework ready by the end of 2025 as it is currently on a broader jurisdictional and stakeholder engagement.
“NIBF is expected to finance big infrastructure projects, improve socio-economic activities, increase economic growth, deepen financial inclusion, and promote risk sharing in financial transactions”, Prof Gatsi noted at a workshop organised for journalists at Koforidua, last week.
“Bank of Ghana plans to work with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), real sectors, and the insurance sector to promote a healthy financial ecosystem.”
The central bank has also engaged with Nigeria’s banks and capital market players to learn from their NIBF system.
It is expected that NIBF will create expanded banking, capital market, and insurance opportunities in Ghana which will support sustainable development and the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
Untapped Non-Interest
Apparently, the Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, in his opening remarks read on his behalf by Mr Ismail Adam, Head of Banking Supervision said, “non-interest finance remains a largely untapped banking and financial opportunity in Ghana.
“In light of the structural constraints facing our economy—ranging from high graduate unemployment, sluggish GDP growth, significant infrastructure gaps, and limited fiscal space—NIBF presents a valuable opportunity to diversify both our financial system and sources of funding.
“What began as a niche complement to conventional finance in the 1970s has
evolved into a significant pillar of the global financial system. As of 2024, the NIBF industry surpassed a major milestone, with global assets exceeding US$5 trillion—
representing a 12% increase over 2023 and a 43% growth since 2020”, he noted while listing the numerous benefits of NIBF to economies.
The ‘Big Push’
The Big Push initiative as captured in the NDC 2024 manifesto is a US$10 billion infrastructure investment plan aimed at transforming Ghana’s economy and improving the quality of life for its citizens. The program focuses on several key areas, including: Investing in affordable housing to reduce the housing deficit and create jobs. Ghana has an estimated housing deficit of over two million units; Dualizing critical highways like Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Aflao, and Accra-Takoradi to ease transport costs and enhance regional integration. The Accra-Kumasi Expressway project is expected to commence soon; Expanding safe water access in underserved regions for dignity and public health; and Leveraging infrastructure projects for labor-intensive job creation and capacity building.
The Big Push agenda also emphasizes: Public-Private Partnerships, thus, leveraging private sector partnerships for well-structured public-private arrangements; Strengthening the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) for efficient fund management; and ensuring accountability through regular audits and public reporting.
Feed Ghana Initiative
President John Mahama’s Feed Ghana initiative, as captured in the NDC manifesto, is a flagship program aimed at transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector by boosting food production, reducing dependence on imports, creating jobs, and enhancing food security. Launched on April 12, 2025, in Techiman, Bono East Region, the program seeks to modernize agriculture and support Ghana’s economic transformation.
Key Components:
Smart Agriculture Promotion: Establishing Farmer Service Centers for mechanization, quality inputs, financing, market access, and training.
Grains and Legumes Development Project: Scaling up production of maize, rice, soybean, and sorghum for local consumption, agro-processing, and export.
Vegetable Development Project (‘Yiridya’): Promoting controlled environment farming and urban/peri-urban agriculture to reduce vegetable imports.
Institutional Farming: Encouraging schools and institutions with land to engage in crop and livestock farming.
Goals and Expected Outcomes:
The Feed Ghana Initiative is expected to reduce Ghana’s US$2 billion annual food import bill; Create sustainable job opportunities, especially for young people; Enhance food security and self-sufficiency; and Promote modernized farming practices and increase agricultural productivity.
With the kind of risk-sharing finance system and services provided by the non-interest banking and finance products, it is the most suitable financing system for the flagship initiatives of the government.
All things being equal, the Bank of Ghana has projected to make ready an operational framework for the introduction of a Non-interest banking and finance system in Ghana as it has began a broader consultation.
A team of expert from the Bank of Ghana under the leadership of Professor John Gatsi, Advisor to the Bank of Ghana has started with its jurisdictional exploratory and learning engagement as they already visited Nigeria where the NIBF system is vibrantly operating.
As part of the stakeholders engagement, the central bank in collaboration with Ghana Journalist Association, organised a two-day workshop for selected journalists in Koforidua over the weekend to highlight and deepen the knowledge-gap understanding needed to guide their reportage.
“Per our roadmap for the broader consultation of stakeholders and inter-agency collaboration, we anticipate to make ready a framework for the operationalisation of Non-interest banking and finance in Ghana before end of 2025”, Prof Gatsi disclosed to the participants.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, in his opening remarks read on his behalf by Mr Ismail Adam, Head of Banking Supervision said, “non-interest finance remains a largely untapped banking and financial opportunity in Ghana.
“In light of the structural constraints facing our economy—ranging from high graduate unemployment, sluggish GDP growth, significant infrastructure gaps, and limited fiscal space—NIBF presents a valuable opportunity to diversify both our financial system and sources of funding.
“What began as a niche complement to conventional finance in the 1970s has evolved into a significant pillar of the global financial system. As of 2024, the NIBF industry surpassed a major milestone, with global assets exceeding USD 5 trillion—representing a 12% increase over 2023 and a 43% growth since 2020”, he noted while listing the numerous benefits of NIBF to economies.
Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, Chief Executive Officer of MiDA
Mr. Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), has assured local and international investors that projects under Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development (24H+) initiative are not only viable but built on strong foundations of transparency and accountability.
Speaking at the 24H+ Capital Market Operators Roundtable in Accra, Mr. Mould addressed concerns raised by capital market players about government-related investment risks.
Participants cited challenges such as corruption in procurement processes, political interference in contract execution, and the historical pattern of discontinuing development projects after changes in government.
Mr. Mould — a respected finance expert and former Executive Director at Standard Chartered Bank — responded with confidence, emphasizing that these 24-hour economy Programs will have projects that are “bankable.” He explained that each project under the 6 Programs will undergo thorough vetting, backed by feasibility studies, clear regulatory frameworks, and well-structured risk mitigation strategies.
“Bankability means that investor capital is protected with expected yield on investments assured ,” Mr. Mould stated. “We’re not just offering ideas — we’re presenting executable, results-driven projects.”
Highlighting MiDA’s strong execution history, Mr. Mould reminded the audience of the Authority’s successful delivery of over $1.1 billion worth of multi-sector projects across infrastructure, energy, and agriculture — all funded by the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation. “We did it under some of the world’s most rigorous governance standards,” he noted. “Now, we’re ready to do it again — faster, better, and smarter.”
He emphasized that for Ghana to realize its economic ambitions, capable and transparent institutions must take the lead. “That’s what MiDA brings to the table — a proven track record, executional rigor, and the ability to turn policy into real-world impact,” he said.
Adding further weight to the discussion, Mr. Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, outlined how the initiative intends to leverage capital markets to fund the country’s ambitious plans.
He said the roundtable focused on key enablers such as mobilizing both domestic and foreign investments, managing risks associated with extended operational hours, and ensuring long-term sustainability of the policy.
“The 24-hour economy isn’t just about more work — it’s about smarter economic structuring that fuels job creation, supports infrastructure, and drives export-oriented growth,” Mr. Tanoh explained.
Highlighting the importance of accountability, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, Chief Executive of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), emphasized that regular progress reports—covering project milestones, financial performance, and alignment with strategic goals—will be shared with stakeholders.
He added that independent external auditors will review GIIF’s financial activities, alongside impact assessments to measure how investments are driving infrastructure development across the country.
The event marks a significant step toward aligning Ghana’s financial sector with its bold vision for continuous, inclusive, and resilient economic growth — a vision under H.E. John Mahama’s 24Hour Economy, which policy is championed by the 24H+ Secretariat with its partners, including MiDA and GIFF that are determined to turn into reality.
Eni Ghana, together with its OCTP partners – Vitol Upstream Ghana Ltd (Vitol) and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) – has completed a major upgrade of its Non-Associated Gas (NAG) system, boosting processing capacity from 246 to 270 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).
Operational since August 2018, the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project has become a key contributor to Ghana’s domestic gas supply, providing around 70% of the total, mainly for electricity generation. Starting at 210 MMSCFD, OCTP has steadily increased output through phased optimizations and achieving its current milestone of 270 MMSCFD on July 13.
This recent advancement not only increases gas supply but significantly reduces Ghana’s reliance on oil-fueled power generation to a cleaner energy source, delivering both economic and environmental benefits and reinforcing the country’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Currently, natural gas from OCTP powers around 34% of Ghana’s electricity, providing homes, industries and businesses with a stable and cleaner energy source. The project’s progress highlights the value of strong partnerships and sustained investment in building a resilient, diverse energy sector for sustainable national development.
Eni has been present in Ghana since 2009 with offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production activities, with an equity production of about 34,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company is the operator of the OCTP project with a 44.4% share in partnership with Vitol (35.6%) and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (20%). The joint venture’s portfolio of projects also includes initiatives in the areas of training, economic diversification, access to water and sanitation and access to energy.
President John Dramani Mahama has assured members of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) that oil revenues earmarked for his proposed $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure initiative will be efficiently disbursed and managed.
The President gave the assurance during a courtesy call by the PIAC members. Led by its Chairman, Mr Constantine K.M. Kudzedzi, the Committee members visited to congratulate the President on his recent election victory and discuss matters concerning the management of Ghana’s oil revenues.
President Mahama outlined his government’s ambitious plan to invest $10 billion over the next five years, allocating $2 billion annually, into priority infrastructure projects across the country.
These projects will target key sectors, including roads, major bridges, education, and health infrastructure, as well as areas vital for boosting productivity in the agriculture sector.
He specified that agricultural projects under the “Big Push” would encompass irrigation schemes, construction of farmer service centres, and support for agribusiness development.
The President stated that the primary sources of funding for this significant policy initiative would be petroleum revenue and minerals royalties.
Commending PIAC for its vital role, President Mahama praised the Committee’s efforts in monitoring and ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of Ghana’s petroleum revenues.
He highlighted PIAC as a commendable model for other countries seeking effective oversight mechanisms.
