By Sulaiman Jalloh

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has paid a solemn condolence visit to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama in the wake of a tragic helicopter crash that occurred on 6 August 2025.

The crash claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

Originally scheduled to visit Ghana as part of his inaugural regional tour in his ECOWAS leadership role, President Bio said the nature of his visit shifted following the national tragedy. During his visit, he extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone, as well as the broader ECOWAS community, expressing deep sorrow and unwavering solidarity with the government and people of Ghana during this period of mourning.

“This is not only a loss for Ghana but for the entire West African region,” President Bio stated. “We stand with you in grief and in strength.”

President Mahama expressed profound gratitude for President Bio’s presence and support, describing the visit as a moving testament to the spirit of regional unity and cooperation. He assured that a full investigation into the cause of the crash would be conducted and also shared details of the upcoming state funeral arrangements for the deceased officials.

Earlier in the day, President Bio visited Jubilee House, where he laid a wreath and signed the book of condolence, paying tribute to the lives lost and underscoring the strong bond between the two nations.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,8th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)