President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Ghana following Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight persons, including two cabinet ministers.
The ill-fated Z-9 helicopter, operated by the Ghana Armed Forces, was on an official flight from Accra to Obuasi — a gold-mining town in the southern part of the country — when it lost contact and crashed.
Among the victims were Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Other casualties included Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the incident as a profound national loss for Ghana.
“The President urges the Ghanaian nation and the bereaved families and friends to find comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones died in the line of patriotic service to the country,” the statement read.
President Tinubu assured President John Mahama and the people of Ghana that Nigeria stands in solidarity with them during this time of mourning.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and asked God to grant strength to the grieving families and the entire nation of Ghana.
Flags are currently flying at half-mast across Ghana in honour of the victims, as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
