President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to set aside political divisions and unite in grief following the tragic helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom that claimed the lives of eight prominent citizens, including senior government officials and members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Addressing the nation on Thursday evening, President Mahama described the incident as a “profoundly heavy” personal and national loss, noting that several of the victims were close associates and dedicated public servants who had devoted their lives to Ghana’s progress.
The deceased:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO)
Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Ghana Air Force
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, Ghana Air Force
Sergeant Ernest Addo, Ghana Air Force
President Mahama paid glowing tribute to the victims, calling them “dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who relentlessly worked for a better Ghana.” He noted that their final moments were spent in service to the nation, a testament to their unwavering commitment.
“We have lost some of our nation’s brightest minds,” he said. “Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.”
The President announced that the Ghana Armed Forces has launched a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
“A Board of Inquiry has been established, and both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered. All eight bodies have also been retrieved, with government officials working closely with families on identification and burial arrangements.”
Funeral and Memorial Plans
President Mahama outlined a series of national events to honour the fallen:
Saturday, 9th August (5:00 pm) – Evening of Reflection and Memorial at the forecourt of the State House.
Sunday, 10th – Thursday, 14th August – Books of Condolence open at the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, NDC Headquarters, and NADMO Head Office.
Friday, 15th August – Inter-denominational State Funeral at Black Star Square.
In his closing remarks, the President stressed that this period of mourning should be marked by compassion and solidarity rather than speculation or political point-scoring.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring,” he declared. “It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails.”
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ministries and Departments that lost staff, and the NDC.
“May God bless their souls. May God bless Ghana,” the President concluded.
Source: Newstitbits.com
