Ghanaian Ministers Among Eight Fatalities in Helicopter Crash?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Eight fatalities confirmed in a military helicopter crash.
- Two senior ministers among the deceased.
- Government ordered national mourning with flags at half-mast.
- UN agencies extended condolences to Ghana.
- Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
Madrid, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Ghanaian government has officially confirmed that eight individuals, including two high-ranking ministers, tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter accident. Defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Murtala Muhammed were among the deceased, as stated by Julius Debrah, the chief of staff at the Presidency, during a press briefing.
"It is with great sorrow that I must announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter this morning in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region," Debrah declared.
Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Samuel Sarpong, the National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
Additionally, three crew members aboard—Peter Bafemi Anala, Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Ernest Addo Mensah—were confirmed deceased.
"The president and the government extend their deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and servicemen who died serving our nation," Debrah remarked.
As the nation grieves, the government has mandated that all national flags be flown at half-mast until further notice.
The United Nations (UN) agencies in Ghana have also expressed their condolences to the government and people of Ghana following this unfortunate helicopter crash.
Speaking on behalf of the UN system, Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury expressed profound sadness over the incident, marking it as not only a national loss but one felt by the international community.
"The UN family in Ghana joins the nation in mourning this deep tragedy. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and to the government and people of Ghana as we navigate this painful loss together," he stated.
Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the cause of the crash.