MWE Correspondent
The gardens of Jubilee House fell silent as the nation stood still. With tears welling in his eyes, former President John Dramani Mahama stepped forward to lay a wreath in honor of eight Ghanaian officials who lost their lives in a tragic military helicopter crash earlier this week.
In a solemn ceremony held in Accra on August 7, the emotional Mahama was seen wiping away tears, visibly moved by the moment. He was joined by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, and grieving relatives. The atmosphere was heavy, reflecting not only personal grief but the collective sorrow of a nation.
The accident occurred when a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter, en route from Accra to Obuasi, crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region. The aircraft was on an official mission to assess operations tied to illegal mining. On board were key government officials, including the Ministers of Defence and Environment, both of whom perished in the crash.
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through Ghana, prompting three days of national mourning and a temporary reorganization of government roles. President Mahama has appointed the Finance Minister as interim Defence Minister while investigations continue.
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“This is one of the darkest weeks in our recent memory,” said one official who attended the service. “We lost some of our brightest minds and bravest servants. Their commitment to Ghana’s peace and progress will never be forgotten.”
Military officers stood at attention as the names of the deceased were read out. Family members clutched white flowers and Ghanaian flags, some in silent tears. In his quiet moment at the wreath, Mahama’s expression captured the pain of a father, a leader, and a fellow citizen mourning his own.
The aircraft crash is under investigation by military aviation experts, who are working with both domestic and international authorities to determine the cause. Initial reports suggest possible mechanical failure, but no final conclusions have been released yet.
The Z-9 helicopter, a multi-purpose military aircraft manufactured in China, has served several African air forces. Though generally considered reliable, the Ghana crash has renewed discussions around maintenance standards and the safety of official air travel.
