A Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter carrying eight people has crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Accra this morning. Graphic Online has obtained a video footage showing the wreckage engulfed in fire with charred bodies visible at the scene.

At least four bodies are burnt beyond recognition.

The aircraft departed the capital at 0912 hours en route to Obuasi but lost radar contact and subsequently crashed.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the incident in a statement, saying: "All efforts are being made to establish contact" before the wreckage was located. The statement was signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations.

On board were three crew members and five passengers, whose identities and the purpose of the flight have not yet been disclosed. Emergency responders are at the crash site.

The Z9, a utility helicopter typically used for transport and medical evacuation, was last tracked over an undisclosed location before the crash.

While the cause remains unconfirmed, observers suggest adverse weather conditions or technical failure may have played a role. The Jubilee House is expected to brief the press on the tragedy later today.