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Ghana’s President John Mahama has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of two government ministers and six other individuals.
Among those who perished in the military aircraft crash in the central Ashanti region were Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who was 50 years old.
In a speech broadcast to the nation on Thursday, Mahama said that the crash felt like “a personal loss” to him.
“I shared a bond with many of those who died. Our nation is grieving,” he said.
The helicopter, which was transporting three crew members and five passengers, went down in a thick forest while en route from Accra, the capital, to Obuasi for an event aimed at addressing illegal mining. There were no survivors from the incident.
The remains of the eight individuals who died have been retrieved from the crash site, and samples have been sent to South Africa for forensic identification and examination.
Also among the deceased was Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, as well as Samuel Sarpong, the Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress party.
A state funeral is scheduled for 15 August to honour the victims.
Although the cause of the crash has not yet been determined, Mahama has confirmed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered, and that Ghana’s armed forces have commenced a full and transparent inquiry.
Ghana’s meteorological agency had predicted unusually cool weather for August, with recent rains and light showers leading to foggy conditions in numerous forested areas. Nearby farmers reported experiencing morning fog as the helicopter passed overhead.
Many Ghanaians are in disbelief over the news and are still finding it difficult to come to terms with the tragedy. Images allegedly showing the burnt remains of the helicopter have been spreading on social media.
In light of the tragedy, President Mahama has cancelled all of his scheduled events for the remainder of the week and announced three days of mourning beginning Thursday. Flags across the country are being flown at half-mast.
The crew members have been identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
