Ghanaian Defense, Environment Ministers among eight killed in military helicopter crash
Ashanti Region, Ghana: Eight people, including two senior Ghanaian ministers, were killed when a military helicopter crashed near the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.
The deceased have been identified as Defense Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Murtala Muhammed. Also among the victims were Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress; and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.
The helicopter’s crew, Peter Bafemi Anala, Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Ernest Addo Mensah, also died in the crash.
Confirming the incident at a press briefing, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah stated, “I have the unpleasant duty to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter this morning around the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region.”
President Nana Akufo-Addo has directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast until further notice in honor of the victims. The government expressed its condolences and lauded the deceased for their service to the country.
The United Nations in Ghana also offered condolences, with UN Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury calling the crash “a national tragedy and an international loss,” and expressing solidarity with the people and government of Ghana.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
