Ghana has been thrown into mourning following the death of Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in a tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday in the Ashanti Region.

According to Reuters, the crash claimed the lives of eight people, including the two ministers, three other senior government officials, and three Ghana Air Force personnel.

Speaking at a press conference, Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to President John Mahama, described the incident as a “national tragedy,” highlighting the significant blow to Ghana’s leadership and military.

 “The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” Debrah said.

The Ghana Armed Forces had earlier reported a loss of radar contact with a Z-9 Air Force helicopter, which was on a routine operation. The aircraft was carrying five passengers and three crew members when communication was lost.

Emergency response teams are currently at the crash site conducting recovery and investigation operations. The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been officially disclosed, nor has the exact mission of the flight been revealed.

The Z-9 helicopter, typically used for transport and medical evacuation, was last tracked over an undisclosed location before losing contact with air traffic control.

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, early reports suggest technical failure or adverse weather conditions may be responsible.

Further details are expected to emerge as investigations progress.