Two Ghanaian Ministers Among Eight Killed in Military Helicopter Crash

Eight people, including Ghana’s Ministers of Defense and Environment, were killed in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, according to the Chief of Staff to the President.

Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed were among five passengers on board the helicopter, along with three crew members.

Earlier, Ghana’s Armed Forces reported losing contact with the Z9 military helicopter as it traveled from Accra to the mining town of Obuasi in southern Ghana.

In a televised statement, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the crash as a “national tragedy” and announced that national flags would be flown at half-mast until further notice.

Also among the deceased passengers were Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.

The crew members who lost their lives were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.