Africa
Ghana President Mahama Appoints Replacements for Ministers Killed in Air Disaster
President John Mahama of Ghana has named acting ministers to fill two key cabinet positions left vacant after a fatal helicopter crash claimed the lives of the country’s defence minister and the minister for environment, science and technology.
The crash occurred on Wednesday when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter, travelling from the capital Accra to the gold-mining town of Obuasi, lost contact and went down. All on board, including the two ministers, were killed.
In a statement from the presidency, Mahama appointed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to take on additional duties as acting defence minister. Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah will also serve as acting minister for environment, science and technology until further notice.
Mahama called the crash a national tragedy, suspending official activities and ordering flags to fly at half-mast in honour of the victims.