The government of Ghana ordered national flags flown at half-staff Wednesday following the deaths of two senior cabinet ministers and six others in a military helicopter crash in the country’s Ashanti Region.
The deceased include Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. The officials were en route to Obuasi for government business when their aircraft went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
In a statement issued by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, the presidency expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“The President and the government extend condolences to the families of our comrades who died in service to the country,” Mr. Debrah said. “All flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice.”
The Ghana Armed Forces said it is conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. Further details are expected in the coming days.
