President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday night broke his silence through a national address from the Jubilee House on the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives in the Ashanti Region.
The fatal crash, which occurred on Wednesday in the Adansi Akrofuom District, plunged the country into mourning, prompting an outpouring of grief and shock across political and military circles. Among the victims were two prominent cabinet ministers, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Senior military personnel and officials of the ruling party were also on board the ill-fated aircraft, which was reportedly on an official assignment when it went down.
In the wake of the tragedy, government has declared three days of national mourning, beginning today, to honour the memory of those who died in the line of duty. Flags are flying at half-mast across the country, and a sombre mood has gripped the nation.
Earlier on Thursday, President Mahama and senior members of his administration gathered at the Ceremonial Gardens of Jubilee House for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. The event, marked by silence and reflection, served as a public expression of the state’s grief and solidarity with the families of the fallen.
Thurday night’s address by the President reflected the moment of national reflection, reassurance and direction.
The address was President Mahama’s first public comment on the incident since it occurred.
