The Ghanaian government has begun investigating the circumstances surrounding a deadly military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two cabinet ministers.

The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact shortly after takeoff on August 6 while on an official mission to Obuasi. Among the victims were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

In a national address on Thursday night, President John Dramani Mahama reassured grieving families and the public that the Ghana Armed Forces would conduct a transparent and thorough inquiry.

Aviation expert Dr Dominick Andoh of Aviation-Ghana says the investigation will be key to understanding the cause and preventing future tragedies.