In a somber national address, President John Mahama vowed to uncover the cause of the helicopter crash that occurred in the Ashanti region, resulting in a significant loss of life and triggering three days of national mourning.
Ghana Launches Comprehensive Investigation Following Fatal Helicopter Crash
Ghana Launches Comprehensive Investigation Following Fatal Helicopter Crash
Ghana’s government reveals plans for a thorough investigation into the tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of two ministers and six others.
Ghana is currently grappling with a national tragedy as President John Mahama announced a complete investigation into the helicopter crash that tragically claimed the lives of two prominent government ministers and six others. The Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the deceased when the military helicopter went down in a remote area of the Ashanti region.
Reflecting on the grief that has engulfed the nation, Mahama expressed that this loss feels personal due to his bond with the victims. He stated, "Our nation is grieving." The Z9 helicopter was on a mission from Accra to Obuasi to address illegal mining when it descended into a forested area, resulting in no survivors among the eight on board.
Recovery efforts have successfully located the bodies and sent them for identification and forensic analysis in South Africa. The nation mourns collectively, with a state funeral scheduled for August 15.
While the investigation's cause remains unclear, both flight data and cockpit recorders have been recovered for analysis. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the helicopter was flying at low altitudes amid adverse weather, indicating possible factors leading to the crash. This incident marks the deadliest in a series of emergency air force operations within recent years.
In light of this tragedy, Mahama has suspended all of his public activities and declared three days of mourning, with flags at half-mast across the country. The deceased also included prominent figures such as the Deputy National Security Coordinator and the Vice-Chairman of the ruling party.
Boamah, prior to this position, was involved in tackling emerging threats in northern Ghana, while Muhammed faced significant environmental challenges due to hazardous illegal mining practices during his tenure. The nation continues to process the shock of this loss as the investigation unfolds.
Reflecting on the grief that has engulfed the nation, Mahama expressed that this loss feels personal due to his bond with the victims. He stated, "Our nation is grieving." The Z9 helicopter was on a mission from Accra to Obuasi to address illegal mining when it descended into a forested area, resulting in no survivors among the eight on board.
Recovery efforts have successfully located the bodies and sent them for identification and forensic analysis in South Africa. The nation mourns collectively, with a state funeral scheduled for August 15.
While the investigation's cause remains unclear, both flight data and cockpit recorders have been recovered for analysis. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the helicopter was flying at low altitudes amid adverse weather, indicating possible factors leading to the crash. This incident marks the deadliest in a series of emergency air force operations within recent years.
In light of this tragedy, Mahama has suspended all of his public activities and declared three days of mourning, with flags at half-mast across the country. The deceased also included prominent figures such as the Deputy National Security Coordinator and the Vice-Chairman of the ruling party.
Boamah, prior to this position, was involved in tackling emerging threats in northern Ghana, while Muhammed faced significant environmental challenges due to hazardous illegal mining practices during his tenure. The nation continues to process the shock of this loss as the investigation unfolds.
