Ghana’s President John Mahama has appointed acting ministers to crucial cabinet positions in the aftermath of a tragic helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of the country’s defence minister and the minister for environment, science, and technology.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident took place on Wednesday when a Z-9 helicopter, operated by the Ghana Armed Forces, lost contact during its journey from the capital, Accra, to Obuasi, a gold-mining town in the southern region.
The aircraft was carrying senior government officials on official business at the time of the crash, and unfortunately, all individuals on board perished, including the two ministers.
In response to the urgent situation, a statement from the presidency’s communications directorate announced that President Mahama has appointed Cassiel Ato Forson, the current finance minister, to take on additional duties as acting defence minister. Furthermore, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, the minister for lands and natural resources, has been designated as acting minister for environment, science, and technology “until further notice.”
“President John Dramani Mahama has asked the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on additional responsibility as Defence Minister,” the statement reads.
“The President has also asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice.”
“This follows the tragic demise of the substantive Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology, in yesterday’s fatal helicopter crash on their way to an event in Obuasi.”
Mahama had described the incident as a national tragedy and suspended activities upon receiving the news. He also directed that flags fly at half-mast to honour the memory of the victims.
