The President of the Pan African Parliament has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with Ghana following the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight citizens, including two ministers of state, on Wednesday.

Chief Fortune Charumbira, in a solemn statement issued on behalf of the Bureau and the entire membership of the Pan African Parliament, joined President John Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana in mourning what has been described as a national tragedy.

“We stand in solidarity and commiserate with the Republic of Ghana in the wake of this untimely national tragedy,” the statement read.

Among the deceased were Honourable Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Honourable Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.

The six others who perished in the crash were also described as patriotic citizens who died in service to their country.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking accident,” Chief Charumbira said, adding that the Pan African Parliament shares in Ghana’s pain and grief.

He urged the nation to take comfort in the enduring legacy of the victims, who, he said, died while “selflessly serving their nation.”

“May their dear departed souls rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.