Tragedy Strikes Ghana: Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Two Ministers and Six Others

The nation mourns as two prominent officials and several individuals perish in a helicopter accident while en route to a national event in Obuasi. A government spokesperson has labeled the incident a "national tragedy."

In a heartbreaking incident, Ghana's Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, aged 50, lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region. The helicopter was reported to have gone "off the radar" shortly after taking off from Accra at 09:12 local time, heading toward Obuasi for a scheduled national event. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, during a press conference, described the tragedy as a significant loss for the nation.

The crash also claimed the lives of six other individuals, including former Agriculture Minister and Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed and Samuel Sarpong, the Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress party. Details surrounding the cause of the crash remain unconfirmed.

The Ghana Armed Forces stated that the helicopter had three crew members onboard, whose names include Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. In response to this devastating event, the Chief of Staff ordered the country's flags to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.

Offering condolences on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the government, Debrah emphasized the service and sacrifice of the fallen servicemen. The nation collectively mourns the loss of its leaders and fellow citizens, as they navigate this difficult tragedy.