President William Ruto and Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei have expressed deep sorrow following a tragic helicopter crash in Ashanti, Ghana, that claimed the lives of eight people. Among the victims were two Ghanaian cabinet ministers.
On Thursday, August 7, President Ruto took to social media to send his heartfelt condolences to Ghanaian President John Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana. He assured them that Kenya stands in prayer and solidarity with the West African nation during this painful moment.
“We send our condolences to H.E. President John Mahama, the Government, and the people of Ghana, as well as the families who lost loved ones in the tragic helicopter crash that killed eight individuals, including two ministers,” President Ruto posted.
Principal Secretary Sing’oei also shared his grief online, describing the two fallen leaders as courageous and dedicated public servants from a country Kenya considers a close friend and ally.
The two ministers who lost their lives in the crash were Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
PS Sing’oei, one of the first senior Kenyan officials to react, described the incident as heartbreaking and praised the two ministers as patriotic leaders who had served Ghana with honor.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of these respected Ghanaian leaders. They were gallant servicemen of a great sister country. Kenya stands with Ghana in mourning and prayer,” Sing’oei wrote.
He was responding to a condolence message that had been shared by the African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressed to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama following the devastating accident.
“As Africa, we share in the sorrow of Ghana and express our deepest sympathy. We stand in full solidarity with the people of Ghana during this very difficult time,” the AU Chairperson had said.
This tragedy adds to a growing list of African leaders who have tragically lost their lives in aircraft crashes. Kenya has also experienced similar painful moments in its history, with the most recent and heart-wrenching one being the death of General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces, in April 2024.
General Ogolla died on April 18, 2024, after a military helicopter crashed in the Sindar area of Keben, located in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The crash had 11 people on board, and nine, including Ogolla, died on the spot.
“Today at 2:20 pm, our country was struck by a devastating aviation tragedy in Sindar, Keben Location, Elgeyo Marakwet County. With great sorrow, I announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” President Ruto announced after the incident.
Kenya has also suffered other fatal air crashes involving high-profile leaders. In June 2012, the country mourned the death of then-Interior Minister George Saitoti and his assistant, Orwa Ojode. They died along with two bodyguards and two pilots when their police helicopter crashed.
Similarly, in 2008, Kenya lost Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Lorna Laboso in a helicopter crash near the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The loss of these leaders deeply affected the nation and left a lasting mark on the country’s political history.
As Ghana mourns the loss of its esteemed ministers, messages of support continue to pour in from across the continent. The solidarity and unity shown during such times reflect the strong bonds African nations share, particularly in moments of grief.
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