In brief
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed perish in the incident along with six others.
On a devastating day for Ghana, the nation's Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region. The incident, described by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah as a "national tragedy," further claimed the lives of six others onboard, including notable political figures. Reports indicated that the helicopter had departed from Accra at 09:12 local time, en route to Obuasi for a scheduled national event. However, the aircraft soon lost contact, prompting urgent search operations by the Ghana Armed Forces. The cause of the crash remains unconfirmed.In a show of respect, the Chief of Staff has ordered flags across the nation to be flown at half-mast. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and paid tribute to the servicemen who died while serving their country. In addition to the ministers, those killed in the crash included Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former Agriculture Minister and Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress party.The military's official statements provided the names of the crew members as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The nation mourns this profound loss as investigations into the tragedy continue.
