By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with Ghana following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of some senior government officials and military personnel in the Ashanti Region.
In a statement issued from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday, the AU Chairperson extended his heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families affected by the national tragedy.
The crash, which occurred earlier Wednesday morning near the Adansi area, involved a Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter and resulted in the deaths of eight individuals.
Among the deceased were Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; and other top government and party officials.
The late Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed were on official assignment at the time of the incident.
Also on board were Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ashanti Regional Minister; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
“The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Mr Youssouf stated, and that the incident was a painful moment not only for Ghana but for the continent at large.
He further expressed solidarity with the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling NDC, acknowledging the collective grief and shock that has enveloped the nation.
Earlier in Accra, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, announced the crash during a press briefing at the Presidency.
He described the tragedy as one of the darkest moments in Ghana’s recent history, noting that President Mahama and the government were devastated by the loss of “our comrades, colleagues, and dedicated servants of the Republic.”
“All flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice,” Mr. Debrah declared, adding that arrangements were underway to coordinate national mourning activities in honour of the departed.
The loss has sent shockwaves throughout the country and beyond, with condolence messages pouring in from development partners, diplomatic missions, political parties, and civil society groups.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie
