Ghana is mourning the loss of two senior ministers and six others who died in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region on Tuesday.
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among those killed when the aircraft went off radar shortly after taking off from Accra at 9:12 a.m. local time. The helicopter was en route to Obuasi for an official event aimed at addressing illegal mining.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, described the incident as a “national tragedy,” adding that flags across the country would fly at half-mast in honour of the victims. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the servicemen who died serving this nation,” he said on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
- VIDEO: Woman Claiming to Be Chris Okafor’s Former Wife Makes Explosive Allegations
- I will not be vice-president to anybody ~ Peter Obi
- Israel recognises Somaliland as sovereign state
- 70-year-old Indian woman gives birth to her first child
- Ghanaian Prophet, Eboh Noah, Builds 8 Arks, Reveals God Has Warned Him That The World Will End On Christmas Day ~ Not By Fire, But By Another Global Flood.
- VIDEO: Pregnant wife bursts into tears as husband refuses to go beg neighbour Jollof rice
Also on board were Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress party.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Images circulating online show the charred remains of the helicopter, though officials have not confirmed the cause of the crash.
President Mahama, described as “deeply emotional” over the tragedy, has ordered a full investigation.
Boamah, a former communications and environment minister, had been at the forefront of efforts to counter extremist activity near Ghana’s northern borders. His upcoming book, A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy, was set for release later this year.
Muhammed, 50, was widely recognised for his strong stance against illegal gold mining, known locally as galamsey, which has caused extensive environmental damage and water contamination.
The accident has plunged the nation into grief, with tributes pouring in for the deceased.
