President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day period of national mourning in response to the military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two senior cabinet ministers and other high-ranking officials.
The mourning period begins Thursday, August 7, as the country grapples with one of its deadliest air accidents in recent memory. The President has also suspended all public engagements and official activities for the remainder of the week, according to a statement issued by the Office of the President late Wednesday.
“All national flags are to be flown at half-mast until further notice,” the Office of the Chief of Staff said in a directive. “This is a moment of national grief and solemn reflection.”
The accident occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, where a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 military helicopter went off radar while en route to Obuasi. The wreckage was later discovered in a densely forested area, and all aboard were confirmed dead.
Among the victims were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Also killed were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and three Ghana Air Force personnel—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control before crashing under unclear circumstances. An interagency investigation involving the Ghana Armed Forces, National Security, and aviation authorities is currently underway.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, as well as from civil society, religious leaders, and international partners. Many Ghanaians have described the crash as one of the darkest moments in the nation’s recent history.
“This tragedy has shaken the soul of our country,” said a senior government official. “We mourn the loss of patriots who served Ghana with distinction.”
