Two high-ranking ministers of Ghana, Edward Omane Boamah and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, have died in a helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region. The crash also claimed the lives of six other people, including a deputy national security coordinator and a vice-chairman of the National Democratic Congress party.
The Z9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, went off the radar earlier today. It was headed to Obuasi for an event aimed at tackling illegal mining in the area. Images of the charred remains of the helicopter are circulating on social media.
No cause has been confirmed for the crash, but it has been described as a “national tragedy” by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah. The country’s flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast, with President John Dramani Mahama extending condolences to those affected.
The victims include prominent figures such as Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former Agriculture Minister and Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress party. The crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The helicopter crash has raised concerns about violence in the area, with fears that jihadist groups may be exploiting communal tensions between rival communities. Defence Minister Boamah had been working to tackle these issues during his tenure.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8zjxwgj9jo