Ghana’s Minister for Defence and Minister for Environment have tragically died in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region, a government spokesperson has confirmed. Six other individuals also perished in the incident.
During a press conference, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah stated that Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, aged 50, were among those killed in the crash, which he described as a “national tragedy”.
Earlier, the Ghana Armed Forces had reported that the aircraft, which was carrying three crew members and five passengers, had gone “off the radar”.
The helicopter had departed from the capital, Accra, at 09:12 local time (and GMT) and was en route to the gold-mining town of Obuasi to attend a national event.
As of now, the authorities have not confirmed the cause of the crash.
In a mark of respect, the Chief of Staff has directed the country’s flags to be flown at half-mast.
He extended condolences to “the servicemen who died in service to the country,” on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the government.
Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed was also confirmed to be among the deceased, along with Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress party.
The crew members who lost their lives were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
