The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that government delegations have been dispatched to the families of the eight individuals who lost their lives in the military helicopter crash earlier today.
The delegation, led by Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah and National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, was constituted by Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, according to Mr. Iddrisu.
In an interview with JoyNews on his way from the Jubilee House, the Minister described the incident as “tragic,” revealing how the news has affected the President.
“A tragic departure of our colleagues in the service of our country. They were on their way to Obuasi to launch a cooperative mining initiative. The President is emotionally down,” he stated.
He added that the delegation would officially inform the families of the demise.
“Her Excellency the Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is now leading a government delegation to inform their families formally but all this with difficulty, to go and convey the sad passing of our colleagues, Dr. Omane Boamah, Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Limuna, and comrade Sarpong.
“So, the Vice President has constituted a team, one led by Julius Debrah and the National Chairman, which will proceed to Koforidua with the Army Commander. The other team will visit the two other families, and another team will visit Takoradi tomorrow to offer our sympathies and condolences.”
Describing the development as “a difficult moment for all of us,” he asked that God grant everyone “the fortitude to accept this loss.”
In a solemn address Wednesday afternoon, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, announced that all national flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice in honour of those who perished in the crash.
The tragedy occurred in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region and has been described by government officials as a national catastrophe.
“I have the unpleasant duty, sadly, to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr. Debrah stated.
The crash resulted in the deaths of five prominent civilians and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces. Among the deceased are:
- Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
- Muniru Mohammed Lemunade, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chair of the National Democratic Congress
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate
The military personnel who also lost their lives have been named as:
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala
- Flying Officer Manim Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensa
In his statement, the Chief of Staff conveyed the deep sorrow of the President and the government.
“The President and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” Mr. Debrah said.
The directive to fly the national flag at half-mast reflects the gravity of the loss and the nation’s collective grief. No further details were provided on the cause of the crash, but investigations are expected to follow.
The entire nation has been plunged nation into mourning, as Ghanaians grapple with the sudden loss of public servants who dedicated their lives to national service and development.
