Ghana Defence and Environment Ministers Killed in Helicopter Crash

Ghana Defence and Environment Ministers Killed in Helicopter Crash
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Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among eight people killed in a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region, the BBC reported. The Z9 aircraft, carrying three crew and five passengers, lost contact after departing Accra for Obuasi, where the officials were to attend an anti-illegal mining event.

Images of the wreckage have circulated online, though the cause remains unconfirmed. Other victims included Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, ruling party vice-chairman Samuel Sarpong, and three military crew members. President John Dramani Mahama ordered national flags flown at half-mast, calling it a “national tragedy.”

Boamah, a former communications minister, had led efforts to address jihadist threats along Ghana’s northern border. Muhammed was known for his campaign against illegal gold mining, or Galamsey, which has caused severe environmental damage. Both ministers were seen as key figures in tackling national security and environmental challenges.