Former President John Agyekum Kufuor visited the residence of President John Dramani Mahama to express his condolences following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two ministers and six other senior government officials and military personnel. The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who was present during the visit, shared her reflections on her X account on Friday, August 8.
She wrote: “In a gesture of solidarity and statesmanship, former President Kufuor came to meet with President Mahama and the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, to convey his sympathies and support during this challenging time. I joined them, along with other government officials, to receive him and express our gratitude for his thoughtful gesture.” The former President emphasised that serving in public office entails inherent risks, as demonstrated by the unfortunate loss of the eight public servants.
In a media interview, Mr Kufuor also shared a personal experience regarding how he almost experienced a plane accident while on a presidential trip in 2007 from Libya to Khartoum in Sudan. The fatal crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
Mr Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The helicopter on an anti-illegal mining mission from Accra to Obuasi, crashed under still-unclear circumstances. Preliminary reports point to possible mechanical failure or poor weather conditions, though investigations are ongoing. In response, President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, appointing Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as acting Defence Minister, and the Lands and Natural Resources Minister as acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Source: Myjoyonline
