President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning in response to the tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two cabinet ministers.
The disaster occurred on Wednesday when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter lost contact with radar shortly after taking off from Accra en route to Obuasi.
In a statement released by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss and announced the suspension of all official duties and public appearances for the remainder of the week.
“Out of respect for the lives lost and in honour of their service to the nation, the President has declared three days of national mourning, beginning Thursday, August 7. All national flags are to fly at half-mast during this period,” the statement said.
Among the deceased were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. Six other passengers, including military personnel and crew members, also perished in the crash.
The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, and investigations have been launched by the Ghana Armed Forces in collaboration with relevant aviation authorities.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in from political parties, civil society, and international partners, all united in grief over the nation’s loss.
