William Ruto Sends Condolences after Chopper Crash Killed 8 Including 2 Ministers: "In Solidarity"
- President William Ruto mourned the deaths of eight Ghanaians in a military helicopter crash, including two cabinet ministers
- The chopper was carrying senior officials to a national event when it went down in the Ashanti Region
- Ghanaian authorities and the African Union termed the incident a national tragedy and promised thorough investigations
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
What began as a routine flight to a national event in Ghana ended in heartbreak, triggering international condolences, including from Kenya's President William Ruto.
Source: UGC
In a message posted on his official Facebook page, Ruto expressed sympathy to Ghanaian President John Mahama, the government, and the families affected by the deadly crash.
He described the accident as a profound loss and assured Ghanaians of Kenya’s solidarity during this period of national mourning.
“We extend our condolences to Mahama, the government, the people of Ghana and the bereaved families following a tragic helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two ministers,” Ruto wrote. “
“We stand in solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss and offer our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Rest In Peace,” he added.
Who died in the Ghana chopper crash?
The military helicopter, which took off on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, from Ghana’s capital Accra, was heading to Obuasi in the southern Ashanti Region when it lost contact and crashed near Sikama, close to Adansi Abkrofuom.
On board were five high-ranking government officials and three crew members.
Tragically, no one survived. The victims included Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Also among the deceased were Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, a former agriculture minister and deputy national security coordinator, and Samuel Sarpong, vice chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The military personnel who died were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the deaths and extended the government's condolences, while President Mahama ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash.
AUC chairman sends condolences to Ghana
The Ghana Armed Forces expressed regret over the incident and assured the public that efforts to uncover the truth were already underway.
Meanwhile, the African Union Commission chairperson, Mahamoud Youssouf, also issued a statement, mourning the victims and standing in solidarity with the people of Ghana.
“The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.
As the country reels from the shock, messages of support continue to pour in from leaders across the continent, with many describing the tragedy as not only a blow to Ghana but to Africa as a whole.
Who else sent condolence message?
Several leaders across Africa have condoled with the people of Ghana following the tragic crash that claimed the lives of senior state officers.
President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prayed for the peace and strength of families that lost their loved ones in the crash.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to my brother, President John Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana on the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others.
This is a deeply painful moment for our Ghanaian brothers and sisters. These men died in the line of duty serving their nation with honour and courage.
Nigeria stands in full solidarity with Ghana during this time of mourning. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may their families and the nation find strength and comfort in their sacrifice.
Source: Twitter
4 feared dead as light craft crashes near Nairobi
Ruto’s message of condolence to Ghana came just hours before Kenya was rocked by a similar aviation tragedy.
A light aircraft belonging to AMREF crashed in Mwihoko, Kiambu county, around 2 pm on Wednesday, August 6, sending shockwaves through the residential area near Githurai 45.
The Cessna Citation jet, which had taken off from Wilson Airport, lost communication with air traffic control shortly before plummeting into homes near a military base.
The crash claimed at least two lives, with authorities fearing the death toll could rise as more details emerge.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
