The President of Kenya, William Ruto, has extended his condolences to the Government and people of Ghana following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two cabinet ministers.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, led to the deaths of Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Environment Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; and six others, including senior military officers and government officials.
In a post on his official Facebook page on Thursday, President Ruto expressed Kenya’s solidarity with Ghana in this time of national mourning.
“We extend our condolences to H.E. President John Mahama, the Government, the people of Ghana, and the bereaved families following a tragic helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two ministers,” he wrote.
“We stand in solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss and offer our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Rest in peace.”
President Ruto joins a growing number of African and global leaders expressing grief and support as Ghana grapples with the sudden loss of some of its most senior public officials. In response to the tragedy, national flags across Ghana have been ordered to fly at half-mast as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
Meanwhile, the President of Namibia, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, also conveyed her country’s sorrow and solidarity in a message addressed to President John Dramani Mahama.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah described the crash as a loss not only for Ghana but for the African continent, given the significant contributions of the deceased to public service and Pan-African cooperation.
“The loss of these dedicated leaders is not only a tragedy for Ghana but for the African continent as a whole. Their untimely passing leaves a void in public service and leadership that will be deeply mourned,” she stated
“In this spirit of enduring friendship, we stand in unity with the people of Ghana as you mourn these great sons and daughters of your nation. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may the Government and people of Ghana find strength and comfort during this difficult time.”
