President John Dramani Mahama extended heartfelt condolences to India over a recent, tragic air crash during the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ghana.
“And to once again, as we did already, extend our condolences to India on the recent air accident that happened. We extend our condolences to all the families that were affected, and also, we extend our best wishes to the sole survivor who miraculously walked out of that plane crash,” President Mahama said.
The crash occurred on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (at about 1:38 PM IST). The flight was heading to London Gatwick. The aircraft lost altitude quickly and crashed into a hostel block at B.J. Medical College. Tragically, 241 of the 242 people on board were killed, along with 19 people on the ground, bringing the total death toll to 260
There was one survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, seated near the emergency exit. He walked away from the wreckage with injuries but is now recovering in hospital
Investigators are examining multiple possibilities including suspected dual engine failure, flap issues, or even sabotage, as the black boxes have been recovered and are under analysis
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi is visiting Ghana for a two‑day trip, during which he and President Mahama will discuss bolstering ties in trade, investment, health, education, and technology. President Mahama noted that the visit strengthens the long-standing bond between Ghana and India.
