Latest news with #GhanaArmedForces
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Ghanaian president urges unity as country mourns helicopter crash victims
ACCRA, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday night urged national unity as the country mourned the victims of Wednesday's military helicopter crash. In a televised address, Mahama said Ghana was in "a moment of shared heartbreak," and a time to reflect on the value of life, the sacrifices of public service, and the need to honor those devoted to the nation's well-being. "Our nation is grieving. On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones," the president said. He called for restraint amid questions over the cause of the tragedy, saying the Ghana Armed Forces had launched a full and transparent investigation. A board of inquiry has been set up after the retrieval of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. The government is in touch with the bereaved families to facilitate the identification of the bodies and burial arrangements. The victims' remains were flown to South Africa late Thursday for forensic examination. Ghana has declared three days of national mourning for the crash, which killed all eight people on board, including Defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Helicopter crash: President Mahama addresses nation; memorial service on Saturday
President John Dramani Mahama, on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, has expressed condolences to the families of eight cherished citizens of Ghana who died in the Air Force helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti region on Tuesday, 6th August 2025. He announced that a Board of Inquiry has been constituted to conduct transparent investigations into the cause of the tragedy. 'I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.' President Mahama, who was addressing the nation on Thursday night, added that the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about DNA tests being conducted for identification of the bodies and final interment. He announced that an evening of Reflections and Memorial will be held at the forecourt of the State House in honour of our departed men on Saturday. The President also disclosed that an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for all eight heroes at the Black Star Square on 15th August. Mr Mahama called for unity at this moment of national grief and prayers for the families of the deceased. 'This is not a me for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a testament to the strength, empathy, and the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.' He continued, 'In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families… This is not a me for division, speculation, or political point-scoring.' Books of condolence will be opened simultaneously at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO, from Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
European Union‑Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) Mourns Ghana's Loss in Helicopter Crash
The European Union‑Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) ( is deeply saddened by the tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on 6 August 2025 in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, claiming the lives of eight individuals, including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Honourable Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Murtala Mahammed (MP). ' On behalf of our Board, members, and all our partners across Europe, Africa, and internationally, we extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, Vice-President, Republic of Ghana, the bereaved families, The government, and people of Ghana in this hour of profound grief. We mourn alongside the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress and recognize the gravity of this national tragedy. EUACC stands in solidarity with Ghana, offering moral support and unwavering commitment to streghten its collaboration with this country of investment opportunities. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, may the people of Ghana find strength and resilience in this difficult time, and may Ghana's unity guide the nation toward healing. ' Sonia Toro – Executive Director, EUACC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC).
News24
3 days ago
- Politics
- News24
Ghana: Two ministers among eight killed in helicopter crash
Ghana's Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the eight people killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. What we know so far Everyone on the military Z9 helicopter was killed in the accident in Ghana's central Ashanti region, a government spokesperson said. The Ghanaian Armed Forces said the air force helicopter took off in the morning from the capital, Accra, and was heading northwest into the interior toward the gold-mining area of Obuasi in Ashanti when it went off the radar. The wreckage was later found in the forested Adansi area of Ashanti. Three other officials, including the vice chair of the ruling National Democratic Congress party, Samuel Sarpong, were killed alongside three Ghana Air Force crew members. The cause of the crash was not immediately known, and the armed forces said they had launched an investigation. Ghana news site My Joy Online reported a strong security presence of military and police at the crash site. Ghanaian media reported that the helicopter was on its way to an event on illegal mining, a major environmental issue in the west African country. Ghana declares three days of mourning '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,' said President John Dramani Mahama's chief of staff. Mahama declared three days of mourning and had cancelled his official activities for the day, the spokesperson said. Mourners gathered at the Boamah's residence as well as at the party's headquarters, and Ghana's government described the crash as a 'national tragedy'. Mahama was 'down, down emotionally', Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana's education minister, told reporters outside the presidency after news broke of the crash. Muhammed, the environment minister, was at the helm as the country battles a scourge of illegal, informal gold mining that has ravaged farmlands and contaminated water. A medical doctor by training, Boamah's career in government included stints as communications minister during Mahama's previous 2012-2017 tenure. Before that, he served as the deputy environment minister.
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Ghanaian Defense and Environment Ministers killed in military helicopter crash
ALBAWABA- Ghana is in mourning following the deaths of Defense Minister Edward Omai Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Ibrahim Murtala Mohamed, who were among eight people killed in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday in the Ashanti Region. Also Read Four medical workers killed in Arizona plane crash Chief of General Staff Julius Debrah confirmed to reporters that the helicopter went down in the Adansi Praso area en route from Accra to the city of Obuasi. Shortly before the crash, the aircraft had lost contact with air traffic control. Footage from Ghana's Ashanti region shows the smouldering wreckage of a helicopter crash that killed the country's defence and environment ministers, along with three officials and three air force crew. — Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 7, 2025 The Ghana Armed Forces issued a statement earlier in the day, noting that the helicopter was carrying five passengers and three crew members when contact was lost. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and recovery operations are ongoing. President Nana expressed his sorrow at the incident, saying, 'This is a national tragedy.' Debrah announced that Ghanaian flags would be flown at half-mast until further notice in honor of the deceased officials and crew members. This marks one of the most significant losses of high-ranking government officials in Ghana's recent history. President Nana Akufo-Addo is expected to address the nation following an emergency cabinet session.
