Ghana Loses Defence Minister, Top Officials in Military Helicopter Crash

Ghana is mourning a national tragedy after a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region killed several high-profile government officials, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, along with other senior officials and three air force crew members. The Ghana Armed Forces lost radar contact with the Z-9 helicopter shortly after takeoff, and initial reports indicate the aircraft crashed into trees and caught fire. President John Mahama has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast and declared a period of official mourning. Government and military leaders have expressed profound grief and extended condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a national tragedy. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, with aviation and security experts examining possible technical faults, weather conditions, and flight communications. Search and recovery efforts continue at the crash site as the nation grapples with the sudden loss of its leaders and servicemen.