Helicopter crashed after 3 attempts to land – Kumasi Mayor

• Posted on August 13, 2025August 13, 2025
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Fresh details have emerged about last Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash at Adansi Brofoyedru, near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, which claimed eight lives.

According to the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, popularly known as “King Zuba,” the ill-fated helicopter made three unsuccessful landing attempts before plunging into a forest.

Speaking on Akoma FM, Mr. Boadi said late Samuel Aboagye, a passenger on board, relayed the ordeal to the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) via phone.

“The helicopter made two attempts to land at the Obuasi Airstrip and one at the Ofori Stadium, but each time visibility was too poor due to bad weather,” the Mayor explained.

He recounted that Mr. Aboagye had asked the Obuasi MCE to position vehicles at both locations to pick up the passengers, but later informed him they could not land. Moments later, news came through that the aircraft had crashed into the thick forest at Sikaman Brofoyedru.

Mr. Boadi also addressed reports about the handling of the victims’ remains, confirming that some of the charred bodies were placed in cocoa sacks.

“Initially, all the bodies were put in body bags, but some of the bags were burnt by the excessive heat from the wreckage. With no other option, we had to place about three of them in sacks to move them from the forest,” he said.

The crash site, he noted, was located in a mountainous area inaccessible by vehicles. Rescuers, including himself, trekked for about two hours before reaching the wreckage and recovering the remains.

The Mayor urged the public to be measured in their comments about the deceased, warning that insensitive remarks could further deepen the grief of their families.

He also praised the extraordinary role played by residents of Sikaman Brofoyedru in the rescue operation.

“They deserve national recognition. Some gave us free Wellington boots, while others abandoned their work to lead the way through the thick forest,” he said.

Mr. Boadi singled out the Akrofuom District Chief Executive, Gariba Mohammed Mustapha, for special commendation.

“He showed remarkable bravery during the rescue, yet he has not been given the recognition he deserves,” the Mayor added.

From I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi