President John Dramani Mahama has appointed acting ministers to fill the roles left vacant following the deaths of two cabinet members in Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson will assume additional responsibilities as Acting Minister for Defence, while Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, will serve as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Read Also: Government Releases Programme for Three-Day National Mourning Following Helicopter Crash
The temporary appointments follow the tragic deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who were among eight people killed when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed en route to Obuasi. The officials were on a national assignment when the aircraft went down in a forested area and caught fire, leaving no survivors.
The full list of victims includes:
-
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
-
Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
-
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
-
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
-
Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
-
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot
-
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, co-pilot
-
Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah, crew member
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the devastating news during a press briefing and announced that all national flags will be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
The appointments are aimed at ensuring continuity of government operations while the nation mourns the loss of the distinguished public servants.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem