Accra, Ghana was thrown into mourning on Wednesday following the tragic deaths of two cabinet ministers and six others in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region.
The Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, were among those killed when a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter went down en route to Obuasi, a gold-mining hub in southern Ghana.
Government officials said the aircraft departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. local time but lost contact midway through the flight. Hours later, search teams discovered the wreckage in a forested area near Obuasi, confirming that all eight occupants — three crew members and five passengers had died on impact.
The ministers were scheduled to participate in a national event in Obuasi before tragedy struck. Authorities say investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, with mechanical failure and adverse weather conditions among possible factors.
The incident is considered one of Ghana’s most devastating aviation tragedies involving top government officials in recent history.
The deaths have sent shockwaves across the country, with condolences pouring in from political leaders, international partners, and ordinary citizens. The government is expected to declare a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
