Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has joined global voices in mourning the tragic deaths of Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash earlier this week.
The two senior government officials were among eight people aboard a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter that crashed in the Ashanti Region while traveling from the capital, Accra, to Obuasi for an official assignment. The crash, which has thrown the West African country into mourning, is currently under investigation.
In a condolence message posted on her official X handle, Okonjo-Iweala wrote:
“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.”
She described the tragedy as a national loss not just for Ghana, but for the entire African continent, noting that the ministers were dedicated public servants who contributed to peace, environmental sustainability, and regional development.
The crash has prompted an outpouring of grief across Ghana and beyond, with regional leaders, international organizations, and civil society figures paying tribute to the late ministers. President John Mahama has declared a period of national mourning and vowed that the circumstances surrounding the crash will be fully investigated.
