São Tomé and Príncipe Leader Expresses Solidarity with Ghana Following Tragic Helicopter Crash
President Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe has conveyed warm sympathies to President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana in the wake of the military helicopter disaster in the Ashanti Region, which left eight people dead.
Touching down in Accra on Monday, August 11, President Vila Nova visited the Ceremonial Garden at the Presidency, where he laid a wreath in memory of the victims and penned a message in the condolence book.
The act reflected the solidarity and compassion of the international community during Ghana’s period of mourning.
His visit comes as the country grieves those lost in the Adansi Akrofuom District crash, among them Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah also perished.
On Sunday, August 10, memorial services were held for Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed, with a state funeral for all eight victims scheduled for Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square.
President Mahama has urged citizens to channel their sorrow into a renewed commitment to national development, while also announcing plans to establish an education fund to support the children of the victims. The fund will be launched during the state funeral.
