Mahama suspends all activities over fatal helicopter crash

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all official activities and engagements for the rest of the week following Tuesday’s tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including top government officials and military personnel.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, August 6, the Presidency also declared three days of national mourning, beginning Thursday, August 7. All national flags are to be flown at half-mast until further notice. The statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, said the suspension of presidential duties was in response to what it described as a national tragedy.

“President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all his scheduled activities and programmes for the rest of the week, following Wednesday’s national tragedy involving eight persons who died in a helicopter crash,” the statement read.

The crash occurred on the morning of Tuesday, August 6, near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter, which had taken off from Accra and was en route to Obuasi. Aviation authorities reportedly lost contact with the aircraft shortly after takeoff. It was later confirmed that all eight people on board had died in the crash.

Those who perished include Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology and MP for Tamale Central; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, crew member.

The loss has sent shockwaves across the nation. The Majority Caucus in Parliament described the victims as selfless individuals who dedicated their lives to national service. In a statement, the Caucus said, “Their untimely and tragic demise is a devastating blow to Parliament, the Government, the Armed Forces, and the people of Ghana as a whole.”

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with authorities expected to provide further details in the coming days. In the meantime, the nation enters a period of mourning, united in grief and reflection.