President Mahama Appoints Acting Ministers Following Helicopter Crash Tragedy

President Mahama Appoints Acting Ministers Following Helicopter Crash Tragedy

In the wake of Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two sitting ministers, President John Dramani Mahama has announced temporary replacements for the Ministries of Defence and Environment, Science and Technology.

In an official statement issued by Presidency Communications, the President has directed the following:

• Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance, will take on additional responsibility as Acting Minister for Defence.
• Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has been appointed to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

The announcement comes less than 24 hours after the nation was rocked by the fatal crash of a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter in Adansi, Ashanti Region. Among the eight victims were:

• Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
• Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology

According to the statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the appointments are to ensure continuity and stability in government operations “until further notice.”

“This follows the tragic demise of the substantive Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology, in yesterday’s fatal helicopter crash on their way to an event in Obuasi,” the statement read.

The crash, which also claimed the lives of a Deputy National Security Coordinator, senior military officers, and NDC stalwarts, has plunged the nation into mourning. Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing, as government agencies, the military, and aviation authorities continue recovery and assessment efforts.

President Mahama is expected to deliver a national address later today and may officially declare a period of national mourning.

TheGhanaVoice.com will provide continuous updates on funeral arrangements, national tributes, and government transitions following this unprecedented loss.