President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, has joined a growing list of international leaders mourning the tragic deaths of eight Ghanaians in Tuesday’s military helicopter crash.
In a message posted on Facebook, President Bio extended his condolences to President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, following the loss of two cabinet ministers and six others in the crash.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic helicopter crash in Ghana that has taken the lives of the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Environment, and the entire crew,” he wrote.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to His Excellency President Mahama, and the people of Ghana during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that the people of Sierra Leone stand in solidarity with you as you mourn this profound loss. We are with you in your grief.”
The helicopter, a Ghana Air Force Z9, went missing shortly after takeoff from Accra and crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region. All eight on board, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and three military crew members, died.
READ: AU Commission Chair mourns Ghana’s helicopter crash victims, expresses solidarity
President Bio’s message follows similar expressions of sympathy from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who described the incident as a “national tragedy” and said the AU stands in full solidarity with Ghana.
“The Chairperson conveys his heartfelt condolences to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families,” the AU said in a statement from Addis Ababa.
READ: AU Commission Chair mourns Ghana’s helicopter crash victims, expresses solidarity
Likewise, the German Embassy in Accra expressed sorrow over the incident, describing the deceased ministers as honourable public servants they had worked with “closely and trustfully.”
“Their dedication to Ghana’s development, their vision, and their personal warmth will be deeply missed,” the embassy said.
The tragic loss has prompted mourning across Ghana and beyond, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast until further notice.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
