President John Dramani Mahama has appointed interim ministers to fill critical portfolios following the tragic deaths of the Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, August 7, Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson will assume additional responsibilities as Acting Minister for Defence. Meanwhile, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, will serve concurrently as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
These appointments come in the wake of a national tragedy that claimed the lives of eight senior officials. The victims were on board a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route from Accra to Obuasi on a national mission to address illegal mining. The aircraft crashed into a forested area and caught fire, leaving no survivors.
The deceased have been identified as:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
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 for Obuasi East
Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo
At a press conference, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the incident and announced that all national flags will be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen officials.
The nation continues to mourn as arrangements are made to pay final respects to the departed. The government has pledged to uphold their legacies in the fight against illegal mining and in service to national development.
