By Seli Baisie
President John Mahama has declared a three-day period of national mourning starting Thursday, August 7, to honour the memory of the eight people who died in a tragic military helicopter crash.
A statement from the Presidency announced the suspension of all official activities and public engagements by the President for the rest of the week.
The Chief of Staff has also instructed that national flags be flown at half-mast until further notice.
“This is a national tragedy,” said a statement signed by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, as the country continues to mourn the sudden loss of key government officials and military personnel.
Those who died in the crash include Ghana’s Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former MP Samuel Aboagye.
Three crew members from the Ghana Air Force also lost their lives — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In another release, the Government Spokesperson said Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang had led a delegation of senior government officials, leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Military High Command to personally visit and inform the families of the victims.
The Vice President visited the homes of Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Minuru Limuna, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, to express sympathy and support.
Another team, led by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, travelled to Koforidua to offer condolences to the mother and family of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah.
Meanwhile, all eight bodies from the crash site at the Dampia Range Forest Reserve are currently being transported for further arrangements.
