By Ghazali Ibrahim
Ghana is mourning the loss of two cabinet ministers and six others following the crash of a military helicopter in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday.
The victims include Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Others on board were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Agriculture Minister; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel.
The Z-9 helicopter was en route from Accra to Obuasi for the launch of a mining development programme when it went off radar and was later found in flames in Adansi Akrofuom.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the incident, noting that flags would fly at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also extended his condolences to President John Mahama and the people of Ghana following the fatal military helicopter crash.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, August 6, President Tinubu described the incident as a “profound national tragedy” and assured Ghanaians of Nigeria’s support during this difficult time.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash.
