Ghana is currently in mourning after a military helicopter crash claimed the lives of two ministers and six others, prompting a promise from President John Mahama for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Ghana Launches Investigation into Fatal Helicopter Crash that Claimed Two Ministers
Ghana Launches Investigation into Fatal Helicopter Crash that Claimed Two Ministers
Ghana's President announces an extensive inquiry following a tragic helicopter crash that resulted in the loss of government officials and others.
Ghana is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, claiming the lives of key government officials including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The helicopter, a Z9 model, plummeted in the central Ashanti region while en route from Accra to Obuasi for an initiative focusing on illegal mining.
In a heartfelt televised address, President Mahama expressed his grief, noting that the crash felt like a personal loss. He shared a bond with many of the deceased and announced a full investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy. No survivors were found among the eight passengers onboard.
The bodies of the victims, which include the Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed and Samuel Sarpong, were recovered and sent for forensic analysis. A state funeral is scheduled for August 15 to honor their memory. Preliminary reports suggest that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been successfully retrieved, aiding the investigation.
Eyewitnesses described the helicopter flying at a low altitude amid foggy conditions prior to the crash. One local farmer detailed hearing a loud explosion, leading them to the crash site where tragically, no survivors could be found. This incident marks one of the most severe aviation mishaps involving Ghana's Air Force, overshadowing previous emergency landings.
In light of the tragedy, President Mahama has suspended all official engagements for the remainder of the week, instituting three days of national mourning and lowering flags to half-mast. The nation struggles with shock, as images of the wreckage circulate online.
Both ministers were known for their critical roles in addressing national issues; Boamah had been proactive in combatting jihadist threats, while Muhammed was a staunch advocate against illegal gold mining that has heavily damaged the environment. As Ghana processes this profound loss, questions linger about the factors leading to the crash, spotlighting the increased need for aviation safety in the region.
