Raphael Kanu
Ghana is reeling from a devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent individuals, including two top government ministers, military officers, and political figures.
The tragedy occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region during an official state mission.
The government has confirmed the following individuals perished in the crash: Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed.
Others are Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Air Force crew member.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the ill-fated Z-9 military helicopter took off from Accra at 09:12 hours en route to Obuasi, where the officials were scheduled to participate in the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP). Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost contact with radar, triggering a frantic search.
Eyewitnesses reported a fiery crash, with the helicopter bursting into flames upon impact in a forested area near Adansi Akrofuom.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the incident in a solemn briefing from Jubilee House, declaring three days of national mourning.
“This is not just a loss to the families, or to the government—it is a loss to the entire nation,” Debrah stated. “These were patriots serving Ghana with distinction.”
President John Mahama has cancelled all official engagements and ordered that flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
He expressed profound sorrow and directed a full-scale investigation into the incident.
“These men died in service to Ghana.
“We owe it to them, their families, and the country to uncover the cause and ensure such tragedies do not reoccur,” the President said in a televised address.
The Ghana Armed Forces released a formal statement acknowledging the incident and offering condolences to the families and the nation.
Messages of condolence have poured in from heads of state, international partners, and continental bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union. Embassies and consulates around the world have lowered their flags in solidarity.
A state memorial service is being planned, with details to be announced in the coming days.
Trauma support services have also been activated for bereaved families and affected institutions.
As candles are lit and flags lowered, Ghana confronts one of the most painful chapters in its recent history. The loss of these committed public servants—cut down in their prime—leaves a void in governance, security, and national development.
Source – The Journal Nigeria
(vitalnewsngr.com)
