The Z9 military helicopter was en route to a government event when it crashed, raising questions about potential causes, including adverse weather conditions. The nation mourns as funeral arrangements are underway.
Ghana's President John Mahama has promised a thorough investigation into the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, claiming the lives of two ministers and six others. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the deceased, with Mahama noting the crash felt like a “personal loss” to him.
The tragedy unfolded as the Z9 helicopter, which was carrying three crew members and five passengers, fell in a densely forested area while traveling from Accra to Obuasi for an event addressing illegal mining activities. Sadly, there were no survivors. Debris from the aircraft has been collected, and forensic samples are being analyzed in South Africa.
In his national address, President Mahama emphasized that the armed forces have commenced a "full and transparent investigation" into the crash, with the flight data and cockpit voice recorders recovered. Although the specific cause of the incident hasn't been identified, weather reports indicated unusual cold and fog conditions in the area on the day of the crash, with local farmers experiencing reduced visibility.
Eyewitness accounts described hearing the helicopter flying at a low altitude before an explosion occurred, leaving them to discover there were no survivors. This incident marks the deadliest of its kind for the Ghana Air Force in recent years, following previous emergencies involving military helicopters.
The nation is now observing three days of mourning, with flags at half-mast and Mahama suspending his schedule to grieve with his country. The deceased included Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing party.
Both Edward Omane Boamah and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were key figures in addressing critical national challenges, including security threats from jihadist groups and environmental concerns surrounding illegal gold mining practices known locally as "Galamsey." Their deaths prompted widespread shock and introspection within Ghana.
As the investigation unfolds, the country seeks to come to terms with this tragic loss and to honor the legacy of those who served.
Ghana's President John Mahama has promised a thorough investigation into the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, claiming the lives of two ministers and six others. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the deceased, with Mahama noting the crash felt like a “personal loss” to him.
The tragedy unfolded as the Z9 helicopter, which was carrying three crew members and five passengers, fell in a densely forested area while traveling from Accra to Obuasi for an event addressing illegal mining activities. Sadly, there were no survivors. Debris from the aircraft has been collected, and forensic samples are being analyzed in South Africa.
In his national address, President Mahama emphasized that the armed forces have commenced a "full and transparent investigation" into the crash, with the flight data and cockpit voice recorders recovered. Although the specific cause of the incident hasn't been identified, weather reports indicated unusual cold and fog conditions in the area on the day of the crash, with local farmers experiencing reduced visibility.
Eyewitness accounts described hearing the helicopter flying at a low altitude before an explosion occurred, leaving them to discover there were no survivors. This incident marks the deadliest of its kind for the Ghana Air Force in recent years, following previous emergencies involving military helicopters.
The nation is now observing three days of mourning, with flags at half-mast and Mahama suspending his schedule to grieve with his country. The deceased included Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed and Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing party.
Both Edward Omane Boamah and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were key figures in addressing critical national challenges, including security threats from jihadist groups and environmental concerns surrounding illegal gold mining practices known locally as "Galamsey." Their deaths prompted widespread shock and introspection within Ghana.
As the investigation unfolds, the country seeks to come to terms with this tragic loss and to honor the legacy of those who served.
