A helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti region has killed all eight on board, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

The aircraft, en route from Accra to Obuasi, went off radar shortly after takeoff on Wednesday. Among the victims were senior officials, including former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna and NDC vice chairman Samuel Sarpong, Al Jazeera reported.

President John Mahama cancelled official duties as the nation mourns. Flags will be flown at half-staff.