Ghana is in mourning following a tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of two government ministers and six others. President John Mahama has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident as the country comes to terms with the loss. Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among those onboard when the military Z9 helicopter went down in the dense forests of the Ashanti region.
In a heartfelt televised address, Mahama expressed his grief, noting his personal connections to many of the deceased. "Our nation is grieving," he stated. The helicopter was en route from the capital, Accra, to Obuasi for a discussion on illegal mining.
With no survivors from the crash, investigators have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, initiating a transparent investigation to determine the cause. Eyewitnesses reported the helicopter flying at a low altitude in challenging weather conditions, with fog hampering visibility. Flags are being flown at half-mast, and Ghanaians are absorbing the shock of this loss.
President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday, canceling all other activities, while a state funeral is scheduled for August 15. The crash represents not only a significant loss of life but also the most deadly incident involving Ghana Air Force helicopters in recent years. The country reflects on the legacies of the ministers, both of whom were involved in critical governance issues, from tackling jihadist threats to combating illegal mining practices.
In a heartfelt televised address, Mahama expressed his grief, noting his personal connections to many of the deceased. "Our nation is grieving," he stated. The helicopter was en route from the capital, Accra, to Obuasi for a discussion on illegal mining.
With no survivors from the crash, investigators have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, initiating a transparent investigation to determine the cause. Eyewitnesses reported the helicopter flying at a low altitude in challenging weather conditions, with fog hampering visibility. Flags are being flown at half-mast, and Ghanaians are absorbing the shock of this loss.
President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday, canceling all other activities, while a state funeral is scheduled for August 15. The crash represents not only a significant loss of life but also the most deadly incident involving Ghana Air Force helicopters in recent years. The country reflects on the legacies of the ministers, both of whom were involved in critical governance issues, from tackling jihadist threats to combating illegal mining practices.
