Ghanaian defense and environment ministers among eight killed in helicopter crash
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Madrid: The Ghanaian government has confirmed that eight people, including two senior ministers, were killed when a military helicopter crashed in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.
Announcing the incident at a press briefing, Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Presidency, said: "I have the unpleasant duty to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter this morning around the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region."
Those killed include Minister of Defense Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Murtala Muhammed. Also, among the victims were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, according to Xinhua news agency.
The aircraft’s three crew members, Peter Bafemi Anala, Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Ernest Addo Mensah, also died in the crash.
Debrah said, “The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and servicemen who died in service to the country.”
As the nation mourns, the government has directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast until further notice.
The United Nations agencies in Ghana also offered condolences, calling the accident a national tragedy and an international loss. UN Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury, speaking on behalf of the UN system, said, “The UN family in Ghana mourns with the nation in this moment of deep grief. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the government and people of Ghana, as we together face this painful loss.”
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
