Ghana is still struggling to come to terms with a tragic military helicopter crash which killed eight people, including two government ministers and other top officials, on the morning of August 6, 2025.

The downed Ghanaian Air Force helicopter belonged to the Z-9 model and took off again from Accra en route to Obuasi at 09:12am but crashed after departure. They immediately began search efforts when the aircraft did not respond to radio contact. The helicopter was later reported to have crashed into a tree in the Adansi Akrofuom District of Ashanti Region, where it caught fire and burnt beyond recognition.

The crash killed Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, National Democratic Congress Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong and former Parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye as well as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah who were members of the crew.

National tragedy, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah declared during a press conference in the capital As the country mourns, flags are being flown at half mast on all government buildings as ordered by the government.

Rescue crews were on scene by 4 a.m., but by then the fire was so intense that little remained of the wreckage. It is not yet clear what prompted the crash — they are examining whether it could have been a technical fault or adverse weather conditions. The occurrence harks back to a military helicopter that crash-landed inside the Western Region in March 2024, but no one was injured in that accident.

The crash happened as Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Minister for the Ashanti Region, was addressing an anti-galamsey event in Obuasi He rushed away to assist in coordinating the emergency response at the scene.

The government has vowed to provide support for the families of victims amid a wide probe to determine what led to the tragedy. At the moment, Ghana now awaits details of what might have caused such a tragic loss of lives. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Angolans Protesting High Fuel Prices in Capital Destroy Property in Marches Demonstrations in the streets of Luanda turned violent, and the police shot live bullets and tear gas.

Luanda, Angola — A peaceful strike by transport workers turned violent on Monday when the protesters took to the streets here to denounce a government measure to increase the price of fuel to 400 kwanzas a liter from about 300 kwanzas. The unrest has left businesses vandalized, residents shaken and questions swirling over the financial future of Angola.
The evening also brought burning tires and shattered storefronts along Broadway from 3rd to 7th. Two athletic sneaker stores and a T-Mobile store fared the worst — their windows smashed and their booty scattered. Video clips that made the rounds on social media showed protesters yanking buses to a halt and forcing them to discharge their passengers, and confronting drivers who were reluctant to join the three-day strike.
“The people are starving, and the government is killing us,” said Adilson Manuel, who is the spokesman for the social movement against the fuel hike. His comments echoed the frustration of many Angolans, who see the price jump as the latest blow to households already struggling with unemployment and an uptick in prices.
July 4, Angola’s government lifted fuel subsidies as part of an ongoing plan to reduce spending to comply with International Monetary Fund conditions under an economy support loan program to the heavily indebted African nation. It’s a paradox not lost on demonstrators: Despite its status as one of the world’s top oil-producing countries, Angola has to import most of its refined fuel because it lacks sufficient domestic refining capacity.
The figures and statistics paint a harsh picture for everyday Angolans. They increased taxi fares to 300 kwanzas a ride and a public bus ride in the city now costs 200 kwanzas. “It’s intolerable that the government is always trying to make our lives more difficult,” said one street vendor, Custodia dos Santos.

The police response was swift and brutal. The riot police and gendarmes used tear gas, batons and rubber bullets to push back protesters in a demonstration on 12 July, in which nine people were injured and 17 others arrested. One protester remains in custody, charged with the incitement of violence. Police claimed the protesters were going beyond agreed-upon routes — a charge organizers vehemently deny.
The crackdown reflects broader tensions within Angola, where the ruling MPLA party has held power for five decades. The signing into law of a contentious piece of legislation by President João Lourenço in August 2024 that imposes prison sentences of up to 25 years for damage caused during protests, has come in for heavy criticism from human rights groups accusing it of being designed to suffocate opposition.
The police violence against protesters in Angola is stomach-churning,” said Khanyo Farisè of Amnesty International, which found a pattern across 11 protests from 2020 to 2025 that left a minimum of 17 dead, with no officer held responsible.
The government has accused the opposition of fomenting the protests ahead of the election that will see multimillionaires in 2027, particularly UNITA. UNITA shot back, condemning the “autocratic attitude” of the police and heavy-handedness.
Defying even as the strike drags on.” Activist Laura Macedo has called for a stay-at-home strike, and organisers are working on a petition to the president, João Lourenço, and finance minister, Vera Daves, demanding Abreu’s decision is reversed.
The unrest has exposed a growing chasm between the rulers of Angola and a public that increasingly feels sidelined by policies prioritizing fiscal rectitude over social justice. We are facing hunger, the whole country is facing hunger, but our president is paying no attention at all.
With violence escalating and negotiations stalled, Angola hangs on the precipice of something. Here is the question now: Will leadership hear the voices of the streets, or will it seek to double down on a course that can only deepen the estrangement of the people from the people who govern them?

• Track the rest of this unfolding story (if that’s what it is) on Afroradar. com. *

Afroradar. com condemns violence of any kind, and not withstanding the newsworthiness of the circumstances surrounding the public protests, does not condone the use of vandalism and property destruction. We call for peaceful dialogue and an end to violence through credible, inclusive leadership, and we continue to demand accountability consistent with the will of the Malian people.

The music world has lost a true icon. D’Wayne Wiggins, the co-founder, guitarist, and creative force behind Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at the age of 64 after battling bladder cancer.

His contributions to R&B, hip-hop, and contemporary music spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on generations of fans and artists.

The Legacy of Tony! Toni! Toné!

Formed in 1986, Tony! Toni! Toné! revolutionized R&B with their unique fusion of soul, funk, and New Jack Swing. Alongside his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, Wiggins helped craft timeless hits such as:

• “Feels Good”

• “If I Had No Loot”

• “It Never Rains (In Southern California)”

• “Anniversary”

With their rich instrumentation and classic storytelling, the trio set themselves apart in an era dominated by synthesized sounds. Their music became the soundtrack to love, celebration, and Black excellence, inspiring countless artists across multiple genres.

Beyond the Music: Wiggins as a Mentor and Producer

While his work with Tony! Toni! Toné! cemented him as an R&B legend, D’Wayne Wiggins’ impact extended far beyond the stage. He became a mentor, producer, and industry visionary, helping to launch the careers of some of today’s biggest stars, including:

• Destiny’s Child – Before they were global superstars, Wiggins played a pivotal role in the early career of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams, mentoring the group as they found their sound.

• Zendaya – The Emmy-winning actress and singer credits Wiggins as one of her early influences in the music industry.

• H.E.R. – The Grammy-winning R&B powerhouse was one of the many young artists Wiggins helped guide to success.

Through his studio work, mentorship programs, and artist development efforts, he shaped the sound and careers of a new generation of Black artists.

A Lasting Legacy in Black Music

D’Wayne Wiggins was more than just a musician—he was a cultural architect. His ability to blend classic soul with modern influences kept his work relevant for nearly four decades.

As news of his passing spreads, fans, artists, and industry peers have taken to social media to share memories and pay tribute to his immeasurable contributions. The Wiggins family has asked for privacy during this difficult time but has also expressed deep gratitude for the love and support from fans worldwide.

Final Thoughts: A True Pioneer in R&B

D’Wayne Wiggins’ passing is a reminder of the power of Black music and its ability to transcend generations. From his work with Tony! Toni! Toné! to his behind-the-scenes efforts shaping the careers of today’s biggest stars, his legacy will live on in every note, every song, and every artist he inspired.

As we celebrate his life, one thing remains clear: the music he created will continue to “feel good” for generations to come.

Rest in Power, D’Wayne Wiggins.