Addis ababa: The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has conveyed his profound sorrow and solidarity with the nation of Ghana in the wake of a devastating military helicopter crash. The tragic incident claimed the lives of several senior government officials and military personnel in the Ashanti Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the AU Chairperson issued a statement from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, expressing his deepest condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Government, the people of Ghana, and the bereaved families affected by the tragedy. The crash occurred on Wednesday morning near the Adansi area, involving a Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals.
Among the victims were Ghana's Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Both were on official duty at the time of the crash. The crash also claimed the lives of Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Mr. Youssouf stated that the African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana during this profound loss and expressed that the event is a painful moment for the continent as a whole. He further acknowledged the collective grief experienced by the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In Accra, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, announced the crash during a press briefing at the Presidency. He described the event as one of the darkest moments in Ghana's recent history, emphasizing that President Mahama and the government were deeply affected by the loss. As a mark of respect, Mr. Debrah declared that all flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice, with arrangements underway to coordinate national mourning activities in honor of the deceased.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the nation and beyond, prompting an outpouring of condolence messages from development partners, diplomatic missions, political parties, and civil society groups.
