Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has visited President John Dramani Mahama to offer condolences following the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two ministers of state and six other senior government and military officials.
The visit, which took place at the President’s residence, was also attended by First Lady Lordina Mahama and Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. In a post on X on Friday, August 8, the Vice President described the meeting as “a gesture of solidarity and statesmanship,” thanking Mr Kufuor for his thoughtful support during “this difficult time.”
Mr Kufuor, who has urged Ghanaians to rally behind the President in the wake of the tragedy, reflected on the risks of public service. He also recounted a near-miss aviation incident during his own presidency in 2007, when his aircraft encountered trouble en route from Libya to Khartoum, Sudan.
The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, killed:
• Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
• Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment
• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
• Mr Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
• Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The helicopter was on an anti-illegal mining mission from Accra to Obuasi when it went down under still-unclear circumstances. Preliminary reports suggest possible mechanical failure or adverse weather, but investigations are ongoing.
President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning. He has appointed Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as acting Defence Minister, and the Lands and Natural Resources Minister as acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
