Kenyan President William Ruto has extended his condolences to the people of Ghana following a tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight nationals, including two senior government ministers. The accident occurred on Wednesday in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, sending shockwaves across the continent.
Among the deceased were Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Mohammed. The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the Z9 military helicopter, carrying five passengers and three crew members, crashed while en route from the capital, Accra, to the gold mining town of Obuasi. The delegation was reportedly headed to an event aimed at tackling illegal mining, a persistent issue in the region.
Emergency teams dispatched to the crash site confirmed there were no survivors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the Ghanaian government yet to release an official report on the incident.
President Ruto expressed his sorrow through a statement on social media platform X, saying, “We stand in solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss and offer our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.” His message was echoed by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, who also conveyed his devastation over the loss of the eight Ghanaians.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, joined African leaders in expressing solidarity with Ghana’s government, armed forces, and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), under whose leadership the ministers served.
In Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday. Flags will be flown at half-mast in honor of the deceased.
Burial plans for the victims, particularly those of the Muslim faith, have been temporarily halted pending full identification of the bodies. The government is coordinating with religious leaders and families to finalize funeral arrangements.
As Ghanaians grapple with the sudden loss of prominent leaders and public servants, messages of condolence and support continue to pour in from across Africa and the international community.
