A Ghana military aircraft crashed in the Ashanti region of Ghana on August 6, killing all eight people on board. Ghana’s defence minister Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were amongst those killed in the accident.
The Ghana Airforce Harbin Z-9EH crashed into a forest and burst into flames in the Adansi area of the Ashanti region after going off the radar few hours earlier. The helicopter had been transporting its occupants from Accra to Obuasi for a program that was to tackle illegal mining. Eye witnesses recount the aircraft flying at a low altitude over farmlands before eventually crashing with a loud noise.
The six other occupants have been identified as Acting Deputy National Security coordinator Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Following the incident, the President of the Republic of Ghana, his Excellency John Dramani Mahama suspended all his scheduled activities and public engagements, announcing a three day period of national mourning. All national flags were also directed to fly half-mast until further notice. This was stated in a press release issued by the Spokesperson for government communications.
In a televised address, the President also expressed his loss stating that: “This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me, I shared a close bond with many of those individuals who died, our nation is grieving”. He also extended his condolences to all affected families, emphasising that their loss was not only personal but a national loss. The forecourt of the state house on August 9, became a place of memorial and reflection as the President and all other government officials, family members and Ghanaians gathered to pay condolences.
Although official report on cause of the accident remains unknown, observers have suggested the poor weather conditions on that day as a major role. Official reports indicate the retrieval of the helicopter’s black boxes, with the Ghana Armed Forces conducting a full and transparent investigation. An investigative board of enquiry has also been set up to investigate the cause of the crash.
The remain of the eight victims of the crash was sent to South Africa for DNA testing to ensure accurate identification of all bodies as they were severely burnt. The forensic testing in South Africa will ensure faster and precise results in order for swift burial preparations to be carried out due to the Islamic identity of some of the victims. The decision came down to Ghana’s lack of advanced forensic logistics, as disclosed by the President of the Ghana Academy of Forensic Sciences, Dr. Pet- Paul Wepeba.
August 15 has been slated for an interdenominational state funeral for the departed members at the Black Stare Square.
Featured image: Photo by Ahmed M Elpahwee on Unsplash
