Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has visited President John Dramani Mahama at his residence to offer his condolences following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two ministers of state, along with six other senior government and military officials.
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who was present during the meeting, shared details of the visit on her X account on Friday, August 8. She wrote:
“In a gesture of solidarity and statesmanship, former President John Agyekum Kufuor paid a visit to President John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, at their residence to express his condolences and support during this difficult time. I joined them and other government officials to receive him and thank him for his thoughtful gesture.”
During the visit, Mr Kufuor called on the public to rally behind the President during this period of national grief, noting that public service often involves significant risks, as tragically demonstrated by the loss of the eight officials.
Speaking to the media, he also recounted a personal experience in 2007 when he narrowly escaped a plane accident during a presidential trip from Libya to Khartoum, Sudan.
The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the NDC
Mr Samuel Aboagye – Deputy Director General, NADMO
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The Z-9 military helicopter, which was on an anti-illegal mining mission from Accra to Obuasi, went down under still-unclear circumstances. Early indications suggest possible mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions, but investigations are ongoing.
In response, President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning. He has also appointed Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as Acting Minister for Defence, and the Lands and Natural Resources Minister as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Source: TheDotNews