President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his deepest condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana after a fatal military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region claimed the lives of key Ghanaian officials.
Among the deceased were Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Muhammed.
The crash, which occurred during a flight from Accra to Obuasi, also took the lives of six others, including Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the helicopter went off the radar shortly after taking off at 09:12 local time.
A government spokesperson confirmed the crash on Wednesday, calling it a national tragedy. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast in mourning.
President Tinubu, in his statement, assured President Mahama and the people of Ghana that Nigerians stand with them during this “moment of profound national loss.” He urged the nation to find comfort in the patriotic service rendered by the victims and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a post on X, also offered his sympathies:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two Ghanaian cabinet ministers and six others who lost their lives in a fatal military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region of the country. My profound condolence also goes to the government and people of Ghana. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
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Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, also took to X to extend condolences:
“On behalf of my family and the Obidients family, I want to deeply extend my condolences to President Mahama, and the great people of Ghana over the tragic loss… This is a painful moment not just for Ghana but for all of us across the region who stand in solidarity with you.”
Ghana’s Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, speaking to AFP, described President Mahama as being “down, down emotionally,” adding that the nation was in shock.
The Ghana Armed Forces identified the crew members who died as Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Mensah.
The helicopter was en route to an event aimed at combating illegal mining when the tragedy occurred.
Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash.
As investigations continue, messages of support have poured in from across the continent, highlighting the regional significance of the loss and the shared grief among African nations.