Ghana declares three-day period of national mourning following deadly crash
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Ghana mourns the loss of top government officials in a tragic military helicopter crash as investigations begin and national flags are lowered in remembrance.
Ghana Declares Three Days of National Mourning After Fatal Helicopter Crash
Ghana has launched an investigation into the tragic crash of a military helicopter that claimed the lives of all eight people on board, including key government officials. In response, the country has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning Thursday, during which flags across the nation will be flown at half-mast in tribute to the victims.
Senior officials among the dead
Among those killed were Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, both of whom played crucial roles in the country’s governance. Other victims included Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Muniru Mohammed, a senior national security adviser, and four members of the flight crew. The late Muniru Mohammed is scheduled to be laid to rest on Thursday, in accordance with Islamic traditions.
A nation in grief
News of the crash has sent shockwaves through the country, with mourners gathering at the residence of the late Defence Minister and at the party’s headquarters. The Ghanaian government has labelled the incident a “national tragedy,” reflecting the depth of the loss to the nation’s leadership and public service.
Crash details and ongoing investigation
The helicopter, identified by state media as a Z-9 model, is commonly used for both medical evacuations and transport missions. It departed from the capital city, Accra, early Thursday morning and was en route to Obuasi, a prominent gold-mining area located in the Ashanti Region. According to military sources, the aircraft lost radar contact mid-flight, and the wreckage was later discovered in the Adansi area of Ashanti.
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Authorities seek answers
While the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, Ghana’s military and aviation authorities have pledged a thorough inquiry to determine the circumstances that led to the disaster. In the meantime, the country continues to grieve the loss of individuals described as pillars of national service.
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