Sing’oei Mourns Ministers After Fatal Helicopter Crash

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has mourned the eight people, including two Ghanaian ministers, who passed away in a helicopter crash in Ashanti, Ghana.
Taking to social media on Thursday, PS Sing’oei eulogised the two as gallant servicemen of Ghana, which he termed a “great sister country”.
The deceased include Ghana’s Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
“I am devastated by the loss of the precious lives of these great Ghanaian leaders and gallant servicemen of this great sister country. We mourn and pray with you,” Sing’oei stated.
The PS was responding to a condolence message from the African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to President John Dramani Mahama following the tragedy.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with deep sorrow of the tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana, which claimed the lives of eight people, including Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Hon. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
“The Chairperson conveys his heartfelt condolences to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families of all those who lost their lives in this national tragedy.”
The tragedy adds to a barrage of African leaders who have suffered similar tragic deaths. In Kenya, the most jarring one was the 2024 death of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla.
The death, which brought Kenya to a standstill, happened on April 18, 2024, when a military helicopter crashed in Elgeyo Marakwet County with 11 aboard. Nine, including General Ogolla, died instantly.
“Today at 2.20pm our nation suffered a tragic air accident in the Sindar area, Keben location, in Elgeyo Marakwet county. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” President William Ruto announced after the crash.
Another notable crash happened in June 2012, leaving renowned politician and the then-Interior Minister George Saitoti dead. His deputy, Orwa Ojode, also passed in the crash alongside two pilots and two bodyguards.
Earlier in 2008, Kenya had lost Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Lorna Laboso in a helicopter crash near Maasai Mara Game Reserve.