National Flags to Fly at Half-Mast Following Tragic Helicopter Crash That Claimed Lives of Ministers and Military Officers.
Following the tragic passing of two government ministers and six others in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has announced that all national flags will be flown at half-mast across Ghana until further notice.
The devastating incident, which occurred in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region, has been described by officials as a major national loss. In a solemn national address, Mr. Debrah confirmed the fatalities and expressed the government’s sorrow.“I have the unpleasant duty, sadly, to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” he said.
Among the eight lives lost were five prominent civilian officials:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Muniru Mohammed Lemunade – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
Mr. Samuel Aboagye – former parliamentary candidate
The three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who also died in the crash were:
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manim Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff conveyed the condolences of the President and the government, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the victims.
“The President and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” Mr. Debrah stated.
The half-mast directive is part of the government’s effort to honour the memory of those who perished while serving the nation. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the crash, but investigations are expected to begin soon.
This tragic event has plunged the country into deep mourning, as citizens come to terms with the sudden loss of dedicated public servants and military personnel.
