Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed deep sorrow and extended her condolences to the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, following a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others.
The fatal incident occurred in Ghana’s Ashanti Region when a Z-9 military helicopter, en route from the capital city Accra to the mining town of Obuasi, crashed under yet-to-be-determined circumstances. Among those killed were Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad. The aircraft was reportedly on an official assignment when it went down, killing all eight individuals on board.
In a heartfelt message shared via her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala paid tribute to the victims and offered solidarity with the people of Ghana.
“My deepest condolences to HE President John Dramani Mahama @JDMahama, the bereaved families and the people of Ghana for the tragic loss of the Hon. Min. of Defence Dr. Edward Kofi Boamah and the Hon. Min. of Environment, Science and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad and six others in a terrible helicopter crash. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, emphasized the magnitude of the loss, describing the incident as deeply painful for the region.
Although full details surrounding the crash remain unknown, preliminary reports indicate that the helicopter may have suffered a technical failure mid-flight. The Ghana Armed Forces have confirmed that a formal investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
The deaths of the two high-ranking officials have sent ripples of grief across Ghana and the broader West African region, prompting an outpouring of condolences from both local and international leaders.
In response to the disaster, the Office of the President has declared a period of national mourning. Flags are to be flown at half-mast across the country, and preparations are underway for state-organized memorial services to honor the deceased.
This tragedy marks one of the most significant losses in recent Ghanaian political history and has left a somber mood hanging over the nation's political and administrative leadership.
