Ghana appoints acting defence minister after fatal helicopter crash

ACCRA: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to temporarily take on the role of defence minister, following a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of several notable figures including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah.

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The president’s office confirmed the appointment on Thursday. The crash occurred as the helicopter was en route to the gold mining town of Obuasi, carrying five officials, including Boamah, Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and three air force personnel. Tragically, no one survived the crash.

Forson had been appointed as finance minister in January after Mahama resumed office.

DETAILS OF THE CRASH

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, along with four other officials and three air force crew members, lost their lives in the crash. President Mahama’s chief of staff, Julius Debrah, addressed the nation, calling it a national tragedy and expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, including the service personnel who died in the line of duty.

Authorities have not yet provided details about the cause of the crash. Earlier reports indicated that radar contact had been lost with the Z9 air force helicopter.

Boamah, who had previously served as communications minister, had been appointed defence minister in January when Mahama returned to office. His successor will inherit a significant security challenge, addressing both internal and external threats to the country.

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Like many coastal West African nations, Ghana faces increasing threats from militant groups in the Sahel region, particularly those operating in Mali and Burkina Faso, who have launched deadly attacks and attempted to move southward.

Last month, a spokesperson for President Mahama revealed that additional troops had been deployed to the northeastern region of the country, where ongoing chieftaincy conflicts have contributed to rising violence, including attacks on schools.