Ghana is in a state of national mourning after a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of two government ministers and six other people.
The tragic incident, which occurred earlier today, resulted in the deaths of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Chief of Staff and government spokesperson Julius Debrah confirmed the fatalities during a press briefing, calling it a “national tragedy.” According to Debrah, the crash also killed three crew members and three additional passengers, bringing the total number of victims to eight.
The Ghana Armed Forces reported that the helicopter departed from Accra at 09:12 GMT, with its destination being Obuasi, where the officials were scheduled to attend a national event. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft went off the radar, and a search party was dispatched, leading to the grim discovery of the crash site. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
In a show of respect for the victims, the government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast. On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the entire government, Debrah extended heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who were lost, especially the servicemen who died while on active duty.