Mahama Replaces Ministers Lost in Fiery Crash
President John Dramani Mahama has swiftly reassigned key ministerial roles following the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent individuals, including two serving ministers of state.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 7, presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been tasked with additional responsibility as Minister for Defence. Meanwhile, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has been appointed to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
These interim appointments come just a day after the nation was thrown into mourning by the sudden deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The two were among eight people killed in a tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.
The Z-9 military helicopter was transporting the officials on a national assignment to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region when it went down in a dense forest area within the Adansi Akrofuom District. Eyewitnesses say the aircraft burst into flames upon impact, leaving no survivors.
The victims of the tragic crash were:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment
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 Bafimi Anala
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, in a solemn press conference, confirmed the tragic loss and announced that all national flags would fly at half-mast for a week in honour of the deceased.
President Mahama, sources say, is expected to visit the families of the victims in the coming days, while a state memorial service is being planned to honour their service and sacrifice.
The Air Force, together with national security operatives, has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash, which has sent shockwaves across the country and the ruling government.
The reassignments, officials say, are aimed at ensuring continuity in governance as the nation navigates one of its darkest moments in recent history.
