Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid

Madrid, Aug 7: In a devastating blow to Ghana’s leadership, eight people, including two senior ministers, were killed when a military helicopter crashed on Wednesday in the Ashanti Region, the government confirmed.

At a press briefing, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the deaths of Defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Murtala Muhammed, calling it a “national tragedy”.

The crash occurred near the Adansi area, and also claimed the lives of Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.

Three crew members — Peter Bafemi Anala, Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Ernest Addo Mensah — were also killed.

“The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and servicemen who died in service to the country,” Debrah said.

In response to the tragedy, all national flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast until further notice.

The United Nations in Ghana joined in mourning the loss. Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury expressed the UN’s solidarity, calling the incident a shared grief between Ghana and the international community.

“This is not only a national wound but a loss felt beyond borders,” Choudhury stated.

Investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the crash.