President John Mahama has assigned additional responsibilities to two cabinet members following the August 6 military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others.
In a statement issued on August 7 by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, it was announced that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson will assume additional responsibility as Minister for Defence. Meanwhile, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is expected to also serve as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
All eight occupants of the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter — including Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed — were killed when the aircraft, en route to Obuasi on a national assignment, crashed into a forest in the Adansi Akrofuom area and burst into flames.
At a press briefing confirming the tragedy, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah named the other victims as:
– 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 Bafemi Anala
– Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
– Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Describing it as a “national tragedy”, Julius Debrah added that the incident deeply saddens President Mahama and has directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.
Meanwhile, the eight bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage and transported to Accra in coffins draped in the Ghanaian flag.
Below is the full statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu:
