ACCRA, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President John Dramani Mahama narrowly escaped being involved in the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two cabinet ministers, on Wednesday Aug 6.
The President was initially scheduled to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) at Black Park, near the Obuasi Len Clay Sports Stadium in the Ashanti Region.
His image had already been used on flyers and printed materials promoting the event, heightening public anticipation for his appearance, especially as the programme formed part of the government’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
However, Mahama did not attend the event. Instead, he delegated the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, to represent him.
The President had been invited as a special guest of honour at the 1st National Pastors and Spouses Prayer Retreat, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region, which took place on the same day.
Tragically, Dr Boamah and Dr Murtala, along with six others, died when the Z9 military helicopter they were flying in crashed en route to the rCOMSDEP launch.
The incident has sparked widespread public debate and speculation, with many suggesting that President Mahama could have been aboard the doomed aircraft had he not been engaged elsewhere.
Observers argue that as the headline guest for the mining programme, the President was likely to travel in the same military helicopter.
In addition to the two ministers, the crash also claimed the lives of Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Sarpong, former Central Regional Minister, and Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate.
The helicopter crew members who perished in the crash were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The devastating crash has plunged the nation into mourning, with President Mahama declaring three days of national mourning and ordering all flags to be flown at half-mast. — NNN-AGENCIES
