The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene, has expressed profound sorrow following the tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior government officials.

In a statement issued today, Thursday, on his behalf, he expressed heartfelt condolences to President Mahama, the government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families affected by the tragedy.

"On behalf of the Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene conveys his sincere condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families affected by this profound loss," the statement reads.

Expressing solidarity with the Ghana Armed Forces during this period of national mourning, he stated, “We mourn alongside the people of Ghana and extend our deepest sympathies to the families enduring this painful loss. The candle may go out, but the memory of its light will remain. May those who lost their lives be remembered with honour, and may they rest in peace.”

The high-ranking officials were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi on a national assignment when the aircraft lost contact with radar and crashed in the forest.

The victims of the tragic crash are:

• Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
• Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment
• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
• Mr Samuel Aboagye, Former Parliamentary Candidate
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala
• Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced the tragic news at a press conference and directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.

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