The article text:
In a tragic incident, Ghana has lost two high-ranking ministers, Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with six other individuals, in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah labeled this accident a "national tragedy." The Z9 helicopter, which was en route from the capital, Accra, to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event, went down in a thick forest. Unfortunately, there were no survivors, and the eight bodies have since been retrieved and transported to Accra in coffins adorned with the Ghanaian flag.
The government has declared three days of national mourning as citizens grapple with the shocking loss. A solemn ceremony was conducted at the Air Force Base to honor the deceased. Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed, as local customs necessitate the identification of the bodies before proceeding with the burials. Meanwhile, the cause of the accident remains under investigation, although witnesses and local farmers reported adverse weather conditions, including fog.
This incident marks the deadliest in a series of emergency occurrences involving Ghana Air Force helicopters. Eyewitness reports describe the helicopter flying unusually low before an explosion was heard, leading local farmers to the crash site with hopes of finding survivors, only to discover the grim reality.
Amidst national mourning, President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all scheduled events for the week. Flags across the country will fly at half-mast as he extends condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledges the sacrifices of the servicemen. Significant figures among the deceased include Ghana's Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, the Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress.
In their distinguished careers, both Boamah and Muhammed were noted for their contributions to Ghana's political landscape. Boamah previously served as the communications minister and was recognized for his efforts to combat jihadist activities on Ghana's northern border. His forthcoming book, "A Peaceful Man In An African Democracy," honoring former president John Atta Mills, is anticipated to launch later this year. Meanwhile, Muhammed's strong stance against illegal gold mining, locally known as Galamsey, was pivotal during his tenure, especially amidst rising public protests against environmental degradation caused by such practices.
In a tragic incident, Ghana has lost two high-ranking ministers, Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with six other individuals, in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah labeled this accident a "national tragedy." The Z9 helicopter, which was en route from the capital, Accra, to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event, went down in a thick forest. Unfortunately, there were no survivors, and the eight bodies have since been retrieved and transported to Accra in coffins adorned with the Ghanaian flag.
The government has declared three days of national mourning as citizens grapple with the shocking loss. A solemn ceremony was conducted at the Air Force Base to honor the deceased. Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed, as local customs necessitate the identification of the bodies before proceeding with the burials. Meanwhile, the cause of the accident remains under investigation, although witnesses and local farmers reported adverse weather conditions, including fog.
This incident marks the deadliest in a series of emergency occurrences involving Ghana Air Force helicopters. Eyewitness reports describe the helicopter flying unusually low before an explosion was heard, leading local farmers to the crash site with hopes of finding survivors, only to discover the grim reality.
Amidst national mourning, President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all scheduled events for the week. Flags across the country will fly at half-mast as he extends condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledges the sacrifices of the servicemen. Significant figures among the deceased include Ghana's Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, the Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress.
In their distinguished careers, both Boamah and Muhammed were noted for their contributions to Ghana's political landscape. Boamah previously served as the communications minister and was recognized for his efforts to combat jihadist activities on Ghana's northern border. His forthcoming book, "A Peaceful Man In An African Democracy," honoring former president John Atta Mills, is anticipated to launch later this year. Meanwhile, Muhammed's strong stance against illegal gold mining, locally known as Galamsey, was pivotal during his tenure, especially amidst rising public protests against environmental degradation caused by such practices.
