President Bola Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to President John Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana following a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several top government officials.
The incident occurred when a military helicopter crashed in Ghana’s central Ashanti region, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Muhammed.
A government spokesperson confirmed the deaths on Wednesday. The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, described the accident as a “national tragedy.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, also extended their condolences to President Mahama and the people of Ghana over the accident.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the aircraft, which had taken off from the capital, Accra, was carrying three crew members and five passengers when it went off the radar.
It was en route to the town of Obuasi for an event focused on tackling illegal mining.
The authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash.
Following the tragedy, the Chief of Staff has directed the country’s flags to fly at half-mast.
President Tinubu, in his message, assured President Mahama and all Ghanaians that the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Nigeria are with them during this time of profound national loss.
ALSO READ :NIMC warns Nigerians of strict access rules for NIN Self-Service modification portal
The President urged the Ghanaian nation and the bereaved families and friends to find comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones “died in the line of patriotic service to the country.”
He concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and strength for those left behind.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku Abubakar said: “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 go to the government and people of Ghana. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
Peter Obi also took to X to express his solidarity.
“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 of Minister Boamah, Minister Mohammed and other public officials in the unfortunate helicopter crash today. This is a painful moment not just for Ghana but for all of us across the region who stand in solidarity with you,” Obi wrote.
He concluded his message with a prayer: “To the families of the bereaved, the people of Ghana, and the members of the Armed Forces, please accept my deepest sympathy and solidarity. May God comfort the families and the entire nation in this time of sorrow, and may the departed rest in perfect peace, Amen.”
Among the dead were also Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister, Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress party.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Mensah.