Two senior Ghanaian ministers have died in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region, the government has confirmed.
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among eight people killed in the crash, which has been described as a “national tragedy.”
At a press conference, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the deaths, confirming that the aircraft had gone missing from radar shortly after takeoff.
Earlier, the Ghana Armed Forces stated the helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, had gone “off the radar” after leaving the capital, Accra, at 09:12 local time. It was en route to Obuasi, a gold-mining town, for a national event.
Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the crash.
On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the government, the Chief of Staff extended sympathies to the affected families, saying the administration sends its condolences to “the servicemen who died in service to the country.”
In honour of the victims, he directed that all national flags fly at half-mast.
Other victims of the crash include Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister, as well as Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Ghana Armed Forces identified the deceased crew members as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The tragic incident has sparked national mourning, with tributes pouring in for the late ministers and servicemen.
(BBC)
