Flags to Fly at Half-Mast as Ghana Mourns Ministers and Servicemen Lost in Military Helicopter Crash

Ghana has been plunged into national mourning following the fatal crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two government ministers and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel.

In a somber national address on Wednesday afternoon, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced that all national flags will be flown at half-mast until further notice in honour of the deceased.

“I have the unpleasant duty to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi area,” Mr. Debrah said. “This is a deeply painful moment for the government and the nation.”

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The crash claimed the lives of five high-ranking civilians:

• Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology

• Muniru Mohammed Lemuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Food and Agriculture Minister

• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress

• Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

Three military officers also perished:

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala

• Flying Officer Manim Twum Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

The Chief of Staff conveyed the government’s condolences on behalf of President John Mahama and the entire nation. “The President and government extend heartfelt sympathies to the families of our departed comrades and the gallant servicemen who died in service to the Republic,” he said.

While the cause of the crash remains unknown, investigations are expected to be launched immediately.

The decision to lower flags across the country underscores the magnitude of the loss and the nation's shared grief. The tragic event has cast a dark shadow over the country, as Ghanaians mourn the sudden loss of dedicated public servants and military personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem