Mediaplusng.com reports that Ghana has been thrown into mourning following the tragic deaths of its Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, and Environment Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. The Ghanaian Presidency confirmed that the crash, which occurred hours after the aircraft went off radar, claimed the lives of all eight individuals onboard, including three crew members and five passengers.
The fatal incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, as both ministers were key figures in President John Mahama’s administration. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, appointed as Defence Minister earlier this year, was steering Ghana’s military operations at a critical time, especially with increasing jihadist threats from neighbouring Burkina Faso. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, serving as Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, was instrumental in Ghana’s push for sustainable development policies.
Mediaplusng.com gathered that the Ghanaian Armed Forces had earlier reported the disappearance of the Air Force helicopter, which took off from Accra around 9:00 am en route to Obuasi, northwest of the capital. The Presidency has since confirmed that the aircraft crashed, resulting in the loss of all aboard.
In addition to the two ministers, other prominent victims include Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The crash marks a significant loss for Ghana’s political leadership and national security apparatus.
President Mahama, who has cancelled his official engagements for the day, expressed profound grief. His Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, stated: “The President and government extend heartfelt condolences to the families of our comrades and servicemen who died in active service to our nation.”
Mediaplusng.com reports that national flags across Ghana will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect, while the government has pledged a full investigation into the incident.
Dr. Boamah, a trained medical doctor and former Communications Minister, had been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger amid rising regional instability. He was also set to release his forthcoming book titled “A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy,” reflecting on the legacy of late President John Atta Mills.
This tragedy underscores the fragile security dynamics in West Africa, with Ghana facing renewed scrutiny over its border security amidst increasing militant activities in the Sahel region.
For continuous updates on this developing story, stay with Mediaplusng.com.
AFP
