President John Dramani Mahama is said to be emotionally devastated following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several top government officials on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, who disclosed the President’s emotional state, described the incident as one of the most difficult moments in the administration’s recent history.
“They were on their way to launch the cooperative mining initiative. The President is emotionally down, and we pray that God gives him, and the Ghanaian people, the fortitude to accept this tragic loss,” he told Journalists in an interview.
Among the deceased are Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed, presidential staffer and Vice Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Sarpong, and former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye.
Three crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah also perished in the crash.
Initial investigations reveal that the victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter heading to Obuasi when the aircraft went off radar. Emergency responders rushed to the site, but all eight occupants were later confirmed dead.
In response to the tragedy, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is leading a government delegation to officially convey condolences to the bereaved families. The delegation, coordinated by Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, includes military leadership and key state officials.
“The Vice President has constituted a team led by Julius Debrah to Koforidua, supported by the Army Commander and other dignitaries to visit the affected families,” Haruna Iddrisu added. “Please accept our heartfelt condolences. This is a very difficult moment for us all.”
As the nation mourns, President Mahama has directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
