Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has revealed that President John Mahama is devastated and heartbroken following the military helicopter crash that took the lives of several key government officials and servicemen.

The tragedy occurred in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region and has been described by government officials as a national catastrophe.

Speaking to JoyNews shortly after the confirmation, Mr. Iddrisu said, “The President is down, down, down emotionally. We pray that God will give him the fortitude and the Ghanaian people the strength to accept this tragic loss.”

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced the tragic news at a press conference today.

“I have the unpleasant duty, sadly, to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr. Debrah stated.

The crash resulted in the deaths of five prominent civilians and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces. Among the deceased are:

• Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
• Muniru Mohammed Lemunade, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chair of the National Democratic Congress
• Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate

The military personnel who also lost their lives have been named as: Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Flying Officer Manim Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.