A military helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti region on Wednesday killed all eight people on board, including high-ranking government officials.

Axar.az reports that the Z-9 helicopter, operated by the Ghana Armed Forces, was en route from Accra to Obuasi when it crashed near Sikamana.

Among the deceased were Minister of Defence Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and other key figures.

The incident prompted national mourning, with flags flown at half-staff and three days of mourning declared. President Mahama suspended his schedule, and international condolences, including from Nigeria and the EU, have been extended.