Ghana Declares 3-Days of Mourning Following Military Helicopter Crash
President John Mahama of Ghana announced a three-day national mourning period on Wednesday evening to pay tribute to the eight victims of a military helicopter crash. Among those who lost their lives were the Defense and Environment ministers, as well as six members of the Ghana Air Force crew, according to local media reports on Thursday.
“Flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings and facilities throughout the duration of the mourning period, which begins on Thursday, August 7, and will continue until further notice,” the reports stated.
President Mahama has also decided to suspend all official activities and presidential engagements for the remainder of the week, as indicated by sources.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the Ghanaian presidency, commented that “this is a national tragedy,” emphasizing that “the country is in shock over the sudden loss of high-ranking government and military officials.”
Earlier that day, a military helicopter carrying Ghanaian officials crashed in the southern part of the country, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, including two ministers: Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defense, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister of Environment.
