Tinubu Condoles with Ghana Over Helicopter Crash That Killed Two Ministers, Six Others
“Our prayers are with you,” says Nigerian President as Accra mourns high-profile deaths
By HeadlineNews.News Staff Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Ghana following a tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent individuals, including two serving ministers.
The ill-fated aircraft, a Z-9 helicopter belonging to the Ghana Armed Forces, reportedly lost contact during a scheduled flight from Accra, the Ghanaian capital, to the southern gold-mining town of Obuasi on Wednesday. The crash, which occurred under yet-to-be-disclosed circumstances, has sent shockwaves across the West African subregion.
Among the deceased were Edward Boamah, Ghana’s Minister of Defence, and Ibrahim Mohammed, the Minister of Environment. Their deaths have plunged the Ghanaian government into mourning, as both men were considered key figures in President John Mahama’s cabinet.
Other victims of the crash included:
- Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Twum Ampadu, flying officer
- Ernest Addo, sergeant
All eight individuals were aboard the helicopter when it went down. Authorities have since confirmed that there were no survivors.
In response to the tragedy, President Tinubu conveyed his condolences in a formal statement released by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. Tinubu expressed deep sympathy to President John Mahama and the Ghanaian people, emphasizing Nigeria’s solidarity during a time of profound grief.
“The thoughts and prayers of Nigeria are with Ghana during this time of profound national loss,” the statement reads.
President Tinubu also urged the Ghanaian people and the families of the deceased to draw strength from the patriotic service rendered by the victims, who died while performing their national duties.
“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,” it added.
He further offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, as well as strength and solace for those left behind to mourn them.
The Ghanaian government is yet to release full details of the crash, and investigations are expected to commence promptly. Meanwhile, condolences have continued to pour in from leaders across Africa and beyond, as tributes are paid to the lives and service of the deceased.
