The African Union Commission (AUC) chairman, Mahmoud Ali
Youssouf, has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic helicopter crash in Ghana
that claimed the lives of eight people, including two cabinet ministers.
In a statement, Mahmoud conveyed his condolences to the
government and people of Ghana after the fatal crash in the Ashanti Region.
“The Chairperson conveys his heartfelt condolences to H.E.
President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, and the
bereaved families of all those who lost their lives in this national tragedy,”
the statement reads.
Among the deceased were Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward
Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and
Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Ghana's Deputy National Security Coordinator and former
Agriculture Minister, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, was also among the dead, along with
Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress
party.
The crew members were named as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi
Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The accident sent shockwaves across Ghana and the wider
African continent.
He also extended his solidarity to the Ghana Armed Forces
and the ruling National Democratic Congress during what he described as a
deeply painful time for the nation.
“The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in
mourning this profound loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal
peace.”
The cause of the crash has not yet been revealed, but
authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the incident.
The African Union has called for unity and support for the
families affected and the institutions hit hardest by the tragedy.
The AU reaffirmed its support for Ghana and promised to stand
with the country through its healing process.
