A tragic helicopter crash in Ghana on Wednesday has claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two government ministers. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among those killed in what has been described as a “national tragedy” by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah.
The Z9 military helicopter, which was carrying three crew members and five passengers, lost contact with radar shortly after takeoff from the capital, Accra, at approximately 9:12 AM local time. It was en route to Obuasi for an official event focused on combating illegal mining activities.
Also on board were Ghana’s National Security Advisor Alhaji Muniru Mohammed and Samuel Sarpong, vice chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, among other senior officials. There were no survivors.
In response to the incident, the government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-staff. Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently underway.
