President John Mahama of Ghana has appointed acting ministers to fill key cabinet roles following the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the country’s defence minister and minister for environment, science and technology.
The crash occurred on Wednesday when a Z-9 helicopter belonging to the Ghana armed forces lost contact during a flight from the capital, Accra, to Obuasi, a gold-mining town in the southern region.
The aircraft was carrying senior government figures on official duty when it went down, killing all on board, including the two ministers.
In a statement released by the presidency’s communications directorate, Mahama directed Cassiel Ato Forson, the minister for finance, to assume additional responsibility as acting defence minister.
He also asked Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, minister for lands and natural resources, to act as 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.
