AU extends condolences to Ghana on tragic helicopter crash

ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has expressed deep condolences after eight people, including two senior ministers, were killed in a military helicopter crash in Ghana on Wednesday.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, Youssouf expressed "deep sorrow" over the tragedy, conveying "his heartfelt condolences to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the government and people of Ghana, and the bereaved families of all those who lost their lives in this national tragedy."

"The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace," Youssouf said.

The Ghanaian government confirmed that the country's Minister of Defense Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among those killed when the military helicopter crashed in the Ashanti region on Wednesday morning.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. ■