CAA Region II Championships Postponed After Ghana Helicopter Crash

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region II Senior Athletics Championship, originally slated for Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August 2025, will now take place on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th August 2025.

The Ghana Athletics Federation announced the adjustment following the declaration of a National Mourning Period by President H.E. John Dramani Mahama in honour of two Ghanaian ministers and other officials who tragically lost their lives in a recent helicopter crash.

The fatal incident occurred earlier this week when a Ghana Air Force helicopter carrying senior government officials crashed in the Eastern Region.

Ghana’s defence and environment ministers were killed in a helicopter crash Wednesday, the Ghanaian presidency said, hours after the armed forces reported a chopper carrying three crew and five passengers dropped off the radar.

Edward Omane Boamah became President John Mahama’s defence minister earlier this year shortly after Mahama’s swearing-in in January.

Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was serving as the minister of environment, science and technology.

The delegation was reportedly on an official inspection tour of infrastructure projects when the crash happened.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Ghana, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, sports administrators, and citizens.

In light of the national grief, the Ghana Athletics Federation, in consultation with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Confederation of African Athletics(CAA), agreed to shift the championship dates. The University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Accra, will remain the host venue.

“The decision to reschedule is in respect of the National Mourning Period and to honour the departed souls,” the Federation stated.

“We assure athletes, officials, and fans that this change will not affect the quality and competitive integrity of the championship.”

The LOC further confirmed that all logistics, accreditation, and technical arrangements will be adjusted accordingly to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Participating countries from the West African region, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, have been duly informed of the change.

A brief remembrance ceremony is expected to be held during the opening day to pay tribute to their legacy.

The CAA Region II Senior Athletics Championship will feature top-tier track and field athletes from across the sub-region, with competition expected to be intense as nations vie for regional dominance.

Sports247.ng