President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to Ghanaian President John Mahama and the people of Ghana following the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
In a statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sympathy, describing the incident as a national tragedy not only for Ghana but for the West African region. The Nigerian leader assured President Mahama and the grieving families that the government and people of Nigeria stood in solidarity with them during this period of mourning.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” Tinubu stated, urging the nation and the bereaved families to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones perished in the line of duty while serving their country with honour and patriotism.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and for strength and fortitude for the families left behind, acknowledging the profound loss suffered by the Ghanaian government and citizens.
The crash occurred earlier on Wednesday when a Ghanaian military helicopter dropped off radar while en route from Accra to Obuasi. Joy News, a prominent Ghanaian broadcaster, aired disturbing footage from the crash site, revealing wreckage engulfed in smoke amid dense forest vegetation.
Authorities later confirmed that all eight people onboard were killed in the incident. Among the victims were Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party.
Boamah, a former communications minister and medical doctor by profession, had been appointed Defence Minister earlier this year following Mahama’s return to office in January. His tenure was marked by efforts to safeguard Ghana’s northern borders amid rising jihadist activity in neighbouring Burkina Faso.
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who served as Environment, Science and Technology Minister, was noted for his commitment to sustainable development and environmental reforms. According to Ghanaian media, the delegation was on its way to an official event addressing the country’s persistent challenges with illegal mining, a critical environmental and economic issue.
The crash has triggered a wave of national grief and international sympathy. In Ghana, the presidency ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast while President Mahama cancelled his official engagements for the day as a mark of respect.
President Tinubu’s message of support underlines the deep ties between Nigeria and Ghana and reflects the shared sense of loss experienced across the subregion in the wake of the tragedy.
What You Should Know
President Bola Tinubu has offered Nigeria’s condolences to Ghana following a helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including top government officials. Among the deceased were Ghana’s defence and environment ministers, who were en route to an anti-illegal mining event.
Tinubu’s message reinforced the regional solidarity and emphasized the sacrifice of the victims, who died while serving their country. The crash has left a significant void in Ghana’s leadership and heightened attention on safety and security within the West African subregion.
