Tinubu, Jonathan, others console Ghana as air accident killed 2 Ministers

Report has it that helicopter crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others in Ghana on Wednesday.

Ghana’s defence and environment ministers were killed in a helicopter crash, the presidency said, hours after the armed forces reported a chopper carrying three crew and five passengers dropped off the radar.

Boamah became President John Mahama’s defence minister earlier this year shortly after Mahama’s swearing-in in January. Muhammed was serving as the minister of environment, science and technology.
Everyone onboard was killed in this accident, authorities said, while Ghanaian media reported that the helicopter was on its way to an event on illegal mining, a major environmental issue in the west African country.

In a statement released by his aide, Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to Ghanaian President John Mahama, the government and the people.

Tinubu assured President Mahama and all Ghanaian that the thoughts, prayers of the government and people of Nigeria are with them during this time of profound national loss.
He urged the Ghanaian nation and the bereaved families and friends to find comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones died in the line of patriotic service to the country.

Nigerian President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and strength for those left behind.

On X, the Nigerian former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said these two Ministers, and the other distinguished officers were committed public servants who gave their lives in service to their country.

He added that their passing leaves a painful void in the hearts of many while join the President and Ghanaian people in paying tribute to their patriotism and the sacrifices they made for the peace, security, and progress of their country.

“I pray that their legacy continues to inspire future generations of Ghanaian leaders. May God grant you, the affected families, and the people of Ghana the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, he said.

Also, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, while reacting to this tragic air accident said his thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two Ghanaian cabinet Minister and the six others.

“My profound condolences also go to the government and people of Ghana. May the souls of the departed rest in peace”, Atiku Abubakar said.
On behalf of his family and the Obidients family, 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi deeply extended his condolences to President John Mahama, and the great People of Ghana over the tragic loss.

On X, the former Governor said, “This is a painful moment not just for Ghana but for all of us across the region who stand in solidarity with you.

“To the families of the bereaved, the people of Ghana, and the members of the Armed Forces, please accept my deepest sympathy and solidarity.

“May God comfort the families and the entire nation in this time of sorrow, and may the departed rest in perfect peace, Amen”, Peter Obi praised.
“I am deeply saddened by the helicopter crash that led to the loss of lives of eight people, which includes Ghana’s Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed”, ex-President of African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina mourned on X.

He said this is a devastating news and national tragedy while on behalf of his wife Grace and the African Development Bank’s staff, Management and Boards of Directors, he commiserated with Ghana’s President, Mahama, the bereaved families and the whole of the Government of Ghana.

“May God grant Ghanaian President and the affected families much fortitude and comfort. May the souls of the departed rest in peace”, Akinwumi prayed.

Meanwhile, report revealed that there will be three days of national mourning in Ghana starting today, Thursday, 7 August 2025.

This is in relation to Wednesday’s fatal helicopter crash, which inolved the two ministers and 6 others while all Ghana’s flags must fly at half-mast until further notice.