Two Ghanaian ministers and six other people have been killed in a helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region on Wednesday.
The cause of the crash is not yet known but it came after hours of torrential rain on Monday.
The ministers of defense and the environment, Edward Omane Boamah and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed respectively were among five people and three crew members on board the helicopter when it came down.
Also among the victims were Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, a former agriculture minister, and Samuel Sarpong, the ruling National Democratic Congress party vice president.
Squadron leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah were the named crew members of the doomed aircraft.
An hour before the crash was confirmed the Ghana Armed Forces had put out a statement indicating that the helicopter had gone missing while off the radar.
Addressing a press conference Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, said the helicopter was off the radar after taking off from Accra on its way to Obuasi where the officials were to take part in a national event.
President John Mahama described the crash as a national disaster and led the government in extending condolences to the families of those who died in the tragedy.
WN/as/APA