President John Mahama has announced the formation of a high-level Investigative Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of two ministers and six others.
Mr. Mahama disclosed this while addressing the nation in a solemn broadcast on Thursday evening.
The President also assured Ghanaians that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) would lead a thorough and transparent probe.
He revealed that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder had already been recovered to assist investigators.
“An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpitvoice recorders have been retrieved.
“All eight of the bodies of our departed comrades have been retrieved, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about identification of the bodies and final interment,” he said.
The President further paid tribute to the victims, describing them as gallant and selfless servants of Ghana, including Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, whose lives and work left a legacy of patriotism.
Meanwhile, as part of events to pay last respects to them, a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square.
This will be preceded by books of condolence to be opened at key institutions, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and NADMO headquarters from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14.
Also as part of a three-day national mourning, an Evening of Reflections will take place on Saturday, August 9, at the forecourt of the State House.
The helicopter, a Ghana Air Force Z-9, was on its way to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, aimed at tackling illegal mining and promoting sustainable practices.
Source: Adomonline.com
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