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Black box and voice recorder recovered and are being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation – Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that both the black box and cockpit voice recorder from the military helicopter that crashed this week have been recovered and are currently being analysed as part of a full investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
Speaking during a national address, President Mahama said a board of enquiry had been set up to lead the investigation, assuring the public that the process would be thorough and transparent.
The crash claimed the lives of eight people, including two cabinet ministers Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, who also served as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
Other victims were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director General of NADMO; and three Ghana Air Force personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
“All eight bodies have been recovered,” the President said, adding that government teams were working closely with the bereaved families on identification and final funeral arrangements.
As part of national mourning, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9 at 5 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House, followed by a state funeral on Friday, August 15 at the Black Star Square.
Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14 at key government and party offices.
President Mahama called on citizens to stay united in grief and avoid divisive commentary.
“Let us honour these national heroes with dignity and purpose. Their service must never be forgotten,” he said.
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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
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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
