By Abdul Lauya
A Ghanaian military helicopter crashed on Wednesday, killing eight people, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, in what has been described as a devastating national tragedy.
The Z-9 utility helicopter, which departed Accra en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, went off radar shortly after takeoff.
The victims also included a senior national security adviser, the vice-chair of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), and crew members. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
In response to the tragic incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria extended heartfelt condolences to Ghanaian President John Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed solidarity with the grieving nation, assuring them of Nigeria’s thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
“This is a moment of profound national loss. We stand with Ghana in mourning the lives lost, particularly those who died in the line of patriotic service,” President Tinubu said.
He urged the bereaved families to find strength in the knowledge that their loved ones dedicated their lives to the service of their nation, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and fortitude for those left behind.
The Ghanaian government has declared a period of national mourning, as the country reels from one of its worst aviation disasters in over a decade.
The incident has reignited concerns over flight safety, recalling previous crashes in 2014 and 2021 that also resulted in multiple fatalities.
