Ghana: Eight people died in helicopter crash, including two ministers

Eight people, including two government ministers, have died in a military helicopter crash in Ghana's central Ashanti region, a government spokesperson has confirmed. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, 50, were among the victims. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as a "national tragedy." Also among the deceased were Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). The

Eight people, including two government ministers, have died in a military helicopter crash in Ghana's central Ashanti region, a government spokesperson has confirmed. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, 50, were among the victims. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the incident as a "national tragedy." Also among the deceased were Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Earlier, the Ghana Armed Forces reported that the Z9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, had gone "off the radar." It had departed from the capital, Accra, en route to Obuasi for an event focused on combating illegal mining. All eight bodies have been recovered from the wreckage and transported to Accra aboard a military aircraft, according to the Armed Forces. Images reportedly showing the charred remains of the helicopter have been circulating on social media President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all official engagements for the remainder of the week and declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday. A statement from his office instructed that flags be flown at half-mast nationwide. The president, through his chief of staff, extended condolences to the fallen servicemen and their families. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and the Ghanaian military has launched an investigation. President Mahama is said to be “deeply shaken,” according to Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu.

Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, were among the victims