A wave of grief has swept across the country as Members of Parliament, government officials, and business leaders take to social media to mourn the deaths of eight individuals in Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The crash, which occurred on August 6, claimed the lives of prominent government officials and military personnel, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
In a series of emotional tributes on social media, embassies, the United Nations in Ghana, the African Union, high-profile figures, including former Minister of Foreign Affairs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, MP for Ofoase Ayirebi Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Acting Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, and MP for Okaikwei Central Patrick Yaw Boamah, expressed shock and heartbreak over the incident.
The other politicians include: Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Interior Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Minister of Finance,Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, former Education Minister, Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as ‘A Plus’, MP for Gomoa Central, Samuel Abu Jinapor and former MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong.
Describing the tragedy as “devastating” and “heartbreaking,” many extended their condolences to the bereaved families, Ghanaians and President John Dramani Mahama.
Click here to read the statement by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Church
Click here to read the statement by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference
Read below the statement by the former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor
“It is with a heart heavy with grief and disbelief that I mourn the tragic passing of my dear uncle and friend, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, who lost his life today in the devastating helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of seven other patriotic citizens of our Republic.
Alhaji Muniru was more than just family to me. He was a confidant, a guide, and a steadfast pillar of support. Over the course of his life, he served our country with humility and distinction, as the former Minister for the Northern Region, Upper East Region, Minister for Agriculture, and most recently, as the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
Just two weeks ago, he paid me a visit at my office, accompanied by his son. With characteristic modesty, he shared the news of his most recent appointment. “You are the first person I’m telling,” he said with a warm smile, his eyes lighting up with the joy of a new challenge. We spent nearly two hours together that day, talking about everything from governance and national development to family and legacy. His son, a fine young man of college age, full of promise and potential, also spoke with me at length during that visit. We discussed his future and his aspirations.
I am totally devastated by the loss of two fine gentlemen I was proud to call friends and brothers: Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment. Their passing has left a void that cannot easily be filled.
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, NDC, with whom I had the privilege of working during my time as a private legal practitioner, will also be dearly missed.
We mourn as well the loss of Mr. Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate and Deputy Director-General, NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Amaning Twum Ampadu; Sergeant Ernest Addo.
These were not only distinguished citizens but also Ministers of State, senior public servants, military officers, and committed professionals who served our nation with honour and dedication. Their passing is a profound loss to Ghana.
To their families, colleagues, and all who mourn them, I extend my deepest condolences. We grieve with you, and we honour their memory.
May the souls of all who perished in this tragic accident, rest in perfect peace. And may all those they left behind find strength and comfort in this difficult time.
Meanwhile, authorities have cleared the remains of the victims from the crash site for forensic examination and identification as investigations into the cause of the incident continue.”
The confirmed list of casualties includes:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
Sergeant Leader -Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer -Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant -Ernest Addo Mensah
The list was confirmed by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who described the incident as a national tragedy.
Minority mourns Omane Boamah, seven others killed in Helicopter crash
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