The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed it is working with other security agencies to investigate the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior government ministers.
The crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, killing Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Also confirmed dead in the crash are: Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The crew members who perished in the crash include: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
In an interview, GNFS Head of Public Relations, Desmond Ackah, stated that the cause of the crash is yet to be determined, but investigations are underway.
“For crashes of this nature, it does not just warrant the response of the GNFS alone. A lot of factors are involved. We do interagency response, and we are heavily involved, especially with rescue, extrication, and any fire hazards,” he explained.
Preliminary reports suggest that the victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft suddenly went off radar. Emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the crash site following the incident.
Grim images and videos obtained by Citi News showed the charred remains of the aircraft and victims.
The tragedy prompted immediate response from high-level officials. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was attending an anti-illegal mining event nearby, abandoned the programme and rushed to the crash scene upon receiving the news.
The government has since ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast in honour of the fallen. Investigations are expected to continue in the coming days to determine the exact cause of the crash.
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