Ghana: Death of Defense and Environment Ministers in Helicopter Crash

The Ghanaian ministers of Defense and Environment tragically lost their lives on Wednesday in a helicopter crash in southern Ghana, according to an announcement from the presidency. This news came just hours after the military reported that an aircraft carrying five passengers and three crew members had gone missing.

Edward Omane Boamah, who was appointed Minister of Defense earlier this year following President John Mahama’s inauguration in January, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, were among those killed.

Authorities confirmed that there were no survivors among the individuals aboard the helicopter.

“The president and the government extend their condolences and support to the families of our colleagues and the soldiers who died while serving the nation,” stated Julius Debrah, chief of staff to President John Mahama.

Other victims included Alhaji Muniru Muhammad, the deputy national security coordinator and former Minister of Agriculture, as well as Samuel Sarpong, vice-president of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party led by President Mahama.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ghanaian Air Force reported that a military helicopter had vanished from radar shortly after taking off from Accra at approximately 09:00 AM local time and GMT, en route to Obuasi, located northwest of the capital.

A statement indicated that there were three crew members and five passengers on board, but it did not disclose their identities at that time.

Julius Debrah announced that flags will be flown at half-mast.

The presidency also indicated that President John Mahama has suspended all official activities for the day.