In a devastating blow to the nation, eight people—including two senior government ministers and several high-ranking officials—lost their lives yesterday in a military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The Ghana Armed Forces Harbin Z-9 helicopter was en route from Accra to Obuasi when it lost contact with air traffic control and later crashed under still-unclear circumstances. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has launched a full investigation into the incident.Among the deceased were:Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology; Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, Former Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter B. Anala, pilotFlight Officer Twum Ampadu; Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The officials were reportedly traveling to Obuasi to assess ongoing operations against illegal mining (galamsey) in the region.
National Mourning Declared:
In a somber address to the nation, President John Mahama described the crash as “an unimaginable national tragedy.” The government has declared three days of national mourning, beginning Thursday, August 7. Flags will be flown at half-mast, and all official state activities have been suspended for the week.“This is a painful moment for Ghana. We have lost dedicated public servants who gave their all in the service of our country,” President Mahama said. “May their souls rest in perfect peace.”Widespread Shock and Grief
The news of the crash sent shockwaves across the country, with tributes pouring in from political parties, civil society, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens.The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other political organizations have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged their full support for a transparent investigation.
Watch this space for more updates.
