News
GAF urges media to be circumspect in reportage of military helicopter crash
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has called on the media to be cautious in their reportage and commentary on the recent military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight people on board.
In a statement, the GAF said it had observed several speculative and unverified claims about the Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash.
It urged journalists, panelists, bloggers, and social media commentators to show respect to the memories of the fallen officers and help ease the pain of their grieving families.
The Armed Forces assured the public that thorough investigations had begun to determine the cause of the crash, adding that it would work with international agencies if necessary to bring closure to the matter.
It cautioned that any conclusions based on opinions or assumptions at this stage would be premature and misleading, and advised the public to be wary of such information.
The GAF expressed gratitude to the government, institutions, and individuals who had offered their support since the tragedy occurred.
It extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the souls of the victims to rest in peace.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama thanks Ghanaians for support after helicopter crash tragedy
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the government have expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaians and the international community for the support shown following the helicopter crash of August 6, which claimed eight lives, including two ministers of state.
In a message issued by the Presidency on Monday, the President said the nation was moved by the outpouring of condolences, solidarity, and practical assistance offered during the period of mourning.
He noted that the sympathy messages, attendance at the state funeral, and acts of kindness towards the bereaved families brought comfort in a difficult time.
The statement commended individuals, security personnel, and corporate organisations that worked to ensure that the victims were given what it described as a “dignified and befitting Ghanaian burial.”
“As we return to the duties of resetting Ghana and building the Ghana we want, let us remain united in prayer, comfort one another, and continue to support the families affected by this tragedy,” the statement said.
The President in the statement prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace.
Following the conclusion of the state funeral and the burial of all eight victims, the Chief of Staff has directed that flags at public buildings, which had been flown at half-mast in mourning, be restored to full mast with immediate effect.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama grants 998 prisoners amnesty
President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners serving various jail terms across prisons in the country.
The gesture is upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution.
A statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in Accra yesterday said the number is out of a total of 1,014 recommended.
Per the statement, 87 persons who were sentenced to death will now be commuted to life imprisonment whiles 51 prisoners who were on life sentence will now have to serve 20 years.
First time offenders to be granted pardon are 787, seriously ill, 33, over 70 years irrespective of offence 36, nursing mothers, 2 and petitions, 2.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
