Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

In a statement issued following the incident, former President Kufuor said he joins the nation in mourning the shocking loss of the officials, who died while on their way to perform national duties.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and colleagues of all those who perished in this tragic incident,” he stated.

He urged Ghanaians to honour the memory of the departed by embracing compassion, unity, and a common purpose in serving the nation.

“May God console the entire nation, especially the families of the deceased, the President of the Republic, and all Ghanaians,” the former President added.

The crash claimed eight lives, including senior government officials and military personnel, and has been described as a national tragedy. Flags are being flown at half-mast as the country continues to grieve.

Authorities have cleared the remains of the victims from the crash site for forensic examination and identification as investigations into the cause of the incident continue.”

The confirmed list of casualties includes:

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence

Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress

Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate

Sergeant Leader -Peter Bafemi Anala

Flying Officer -Manin Twum-Ampadu

Sergeant -Ernest Addo Mensah

The list was confirmed by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who described the incident as a national tragedy.