Julius Debrah in Tears, Breaks Down as National Mourning for Helicopter Crash Victims Begins
The government has kick-started the three-day national mourning for the recent military helicopter crash victims.
Source: Facebook
The president and top government officials gathered at the Jubilee House to lay wreaths and light candles in remembrance of the victims.
Ghana's Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, was the third to pay his respects after President John Dramani Mahama, followed by his vice, Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, laid their wreaths.
In a clip sighted by YEN.com.gh, the Chief of Staff was seen in inconsolable mode.
Standing by the president and the vice president, Julius Debrah bursts into tears. The president was also seen sobbing at the event.
Julius Debrah has had a series of unpleasant duties, standing in for the president, who is reported to be emotionally down following the military helicopter crash on August 6 that killed eight people.
The Chief of Staff first announced the tragic news that plunged the state into mourning.
The fatalities included Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr Alhaji Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Vice-Chairman of the NDC Dr Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
They were aboard the Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 helicopter en route to Obuasi for the launching of the responsible cooperative mining and skills development programme when the tragedy occurred.
All eight persons aboard the flight died on the spot. Their remains were retrieved from the crash site hours later.
Julius Debrah, after confirming the news, joined an entourage to the Eastern region to commiserate with Dr Omane Boamah's mum.
Later that evening, he led an entourage of government officials to receive the mortal remains flown from the crash site to Accra.
Source: YEN.com.gh
