Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has ordered for the National Flag to fly half-mast following the tragic death of five government officials and three military crew in military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
An emergency press briefing at the Presidency, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah announced that Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation were among the people who died in the fatal military helicopter crash on Wednesday.
The former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong, who was also on board the helicopter lost his life.
Others who have been confirmed dead in the crash are Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye a former Member of Parliament and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC.
The crew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu and Seargent Ernest Addo Mensah.
“The President and the government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our Comrades and the service men who died in service to the country. All flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice,” Chief of Staff announced.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the missing helicopter in a statement on Wednesday, August 6. According to GAF, the aircraft was from Accra and heading for Obausi but is currently off the radar.
“All efforts are being made to establish contact,” a statement said.
The statement came on the back of a report that a military helicopter had crashed at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
Eyewitnesses say the helicopter burned beyond recognition with all passengers on board burnt beyond recognition.
The Ghana Armed Forces said in a statement that on board were three crew and five passengers.
“The aircraft was from Accra and heading for Obausi and is currently off the radar. All efforts are being made to establish contact,” the GAF statement added.
