The Presidency of Ghana has confirmed the tragic deaths of the Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in a helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday.
The confirmation came hours after the Ghana Armed Forces reported that a military helicopter carrying three crew members and five passengers had gone off the radar while en route to an official engagement. Authorities have now confirmed that all eight individuals on board perished in the crash.
According to reports, the ill-fated flight was headed to an event focused on illegal mining – a pressing environmental concern in the West African nation. The ministers were said to be attending in line with government efforts to combat the menace of “galamsey,” the local term for illegal gold mining, which has had severe ecological consequences across several regions.
The Ghanaian government has described the crash as a devastating national loss. In a statement released by the presidency, condolences and heartfelt sympathies were extended to the families of the deceased officials and servicemen, acknowledging their sacrifice in service to the nation.
“The president and the government mourn this profound loss and stand with the bereaved families in this moment of grief,” the statement read.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to be launched by aviation and military authorities.