Ghana Army Helicopter Crash: Mahama Said to be “Down Emotionally” After Omane Boamah, Others' Deaths
- Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu gave an update on President John Mahama's reaction to the army helicopter crash that killed eight people
- The deaths confirmed in the August 6 crash included Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah
- The presidency directed that all national flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice to mourn the deaths
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President John Mahama is said to have been down after the army helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District on August 6 that killed eight people.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu gave the update on Mahama's reaction during a visit to the homes of one of the deceased in the crash.
Source: Facebook
“The President is down, down, down emotionally. We pray that God will give him the fortitude and the Ghanaian people the strength to accept this tragic loss.”
The five civilians in the crash were identified as Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru, Former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Samuel Sarpong and Former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East Samuel Aboagye.
The army personnel involved in the crash were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah said all national flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice to mourn the dead.
They were travelling to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event when the aircraft crashed. Mahama was initially billed to be at the event.
The crash occurred near Adansi Akrofuom. The Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 helicopter was en route to Obuasi. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the crash.
All eight bodies from the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash are now being transported from the Dampia Range Forest Reserve near Brofoyedru Sikaman in the Adansi Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
Akufo-Addo mourns victims of crash
Former President Nana Akufo‑Addo said he was shocked by the helicopter crash.
In a statement, he extended his condolences to President John Mahama, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and the families of the victims.
Source: UGC
Akufo-Addo also paid tribute to the Ghana Air Force personnel, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice.
“The entire nation is profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic news,” he said, referencing the deaths of Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah."
Eyewitness recounts army helicopter crash
YEN.com.gh reported that an eyewitness at the accident scene recounted how the crash occurred.
According to the individual, he and others discovered six bodies after arriving at the scene. He noted that some personnel from the Ghanaian military, the Local Assembly Member for Sikaman, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, had arrived at the crash scene to assess the situation.
He said the helicopter lost its balance as it hit a tree and a mountain before going down in flames in the thick forest in Adansi Akrofum.
Source: YEN.com.gh
