Tragedy struck Ghana on Wednesday as a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of eight people, including two federal ministers.
Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, were among those confirmed dead in the crash involving a Z9 Air Force helicopter.
Chief of Staff to President John Mahama, Julius Debrah, confirmed the fatalities during a press conference, revealing that three additional government officials and three Air Force personnel were also onboard the ill-fated flight.
“This is a national tragedy,” Debrah said, describing the crash as a devastating blow to the nation’s leadership and military. “The president and government extend heartfelt condolences to the families of our comrades and servicemen who died in active service.”
The helicopter, typically used by the Ghanaian Air Force for transport and medical evacuation missions, lost radar contact shortly after take-off. Authorities have yet to disclose the precise purpose of the flight or the full identities of all those on board.
Emergency teams are currently conducting recovery operations at the crash site, while investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing. Preliminary suspicions point to possible technical failure or poor weather conditions as potential contributors.
The tragic accident has plunged the country into mourning, with tributes pouring in for the late ministers and servicemen who died while serving the nation.
