Ghana is in mourning following the tragic deaths of two senior government officials and six others in a helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.
Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed were among the eight people killed when a military Z9 helicopter crashed while en route from Accra, to the mining town of Obuasi. The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the aircraft lost contact mid-flight and was carrying five passengers and three crew members at the time of the incident.
In a somber address to the nation, the Chief of Staff to the President, Julius Debrah, announced the tragic news and declared that national flags will fly at half-mast until further notice in honor of the deceased.
“This is a devastating loss for the nation,” Debrah said in the video statement. “Our thoughts are with the families of all those onboard. We have initiated a full investigation into the cause of the crash.”
The helicopter was reportedly conducting official business related to national security and environmental inspections in the mining zone.
As authorities continue their investigations, tributes are pouring in from across the political spectrum and international community, honoring the legacies of the ministers who had long served in various government roles.
More updates will follow as the Ghana Armed Forces and emergency response teams release additional information.
