News
Investigative board of enquiry set up to investigate the cause of the crash – Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of an investigative board of enquiry to determine the cause of the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others.
Addressing the nation, the President described the incident as a national tragedy and a personal loss, saying the victims were not only public officials but also individuals he shared close bonds with.
The accident led to the deaths of eight people, including Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, who was also the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
Other victims included Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate affiliated with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); and three Ghana Air Force officers—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
President Mahama assured the public and families of the victims that the Ghana Armed Forces had already begun a full and transparent investigation.
He added that the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder had both been recovered to support the investigation process.
“All eight bodies have been retrieved,” the President confirmed, adding that government officials were working closely with bereaved families to identify the bodies and prepare for final burial arrangements.
He urged Ghanaians to remain united in this moment of grief and avoid unnecessary political commentary.
“This is not a time for division or speculation. It is a time for strength, empathy, and unity,” he said.
The president disclosed that a national memorial service was scheduled to take place at the forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9 at 5 p.m., with books of condolence to be opened at various government offices and party headquarters from Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14.
He added that the state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15 at the Black Star Square.
President Mahama asked for God’s blessings upon the souls of the departed and on the nation of Ghana.
The Ghana National Gas Company has denied allegations of wrongdoing in its recent procurement and insurance contract renewals.
In a press statement issued in Accra on April 13, 2026, the company explained that concerns raised in some media reports were linked to a change in its lead insurer.
It noted that the change followed the expiration of previous insurance contracts at the end of the year.
The company stressed that the new insurance arrangements are lawful and form part of efforts to improve its risk management system to protect its assets.
It further indicated that all contracts awarded so far have gone through the required approval processes by the Public Procurement Authority after receiving financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
The statement, signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It added that management remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet the country’s energy needs while continuing to strengthen internal systems to ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has clarified that it now supports the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence system at the country’s ports, following earlier concerns raised in 2025.
In a press statement issued on April 9, the Association explained that claims suggesting it still opposes the system are misleading and based on outdated information from a December 18, 2025 media publication.
It noted that its earlier concerns were legitimate, pointing to a lack of stakeholder consultation, as well as issues related to data security, transparency, and system integration.
At the time, it called for broader engagement to ensure the system would be credible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has since engaged industry players, including the Association, to address those concerns.
The Association described the engagements as constructive, indicating that they helped resolve key issues and showed government’s commitment to improving the system’s implementation.
As a result, it affirmed its support for the Publican AI system, which has already been rolled out at the ports.
The Association acknowledged that the system is facing some operational challenges but noted that such difficulties are common with major technological reforms.
It added that authorities are taking steps to resolve the issues.
It highlighted the potential benefits of the system, including improved revenue mobilisation, increased transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and a decline in unethical practices at the ports.
The statement cautioned the public against attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent its position, stressing that such actions undermine national progress.
It further emphasised that it will not allow itself to be used for propaganda or agendas that do not serve the interests of importers, exporters, and the wider economy.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, signed the statement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting reforms that improve efficiency at the ports and promote a fair trading environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
