President John Dramani Mahama has rallied the country in its time of grief and agony, urging all to offer collective compassion to the bereaved families of last Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash that killed eight dedicated citizens.
“In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians –united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity, and now, shared sorrow,” he said in a national broadcast from the Jubilee House in Accra last night, his first address since the tragedy of the catastrophic crash at Adansi Brofoyedu in the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region.
President Mahama described the deceased as “national heroes” who died in active service to the nation.
In a pensive mood and dressed in an all-black outfit, in a bold and unbreakable tone, he appealed to Ghanaians to set aside any differences and offer collective compassion to the bereaved families.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring.
It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails,” he said.
The President, who has been visibly shaken by the loss of the eight, entreated the citizens to “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”.
Victims
Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, were on the helicopter heading to a national assignment in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region when the disaster struck.
The other persons on the flight were the acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, who was on his first official assignment since his appointment a fortnight ago; a National Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Sarpong; a parliamentary candidate in the 2024 elections and Deputy Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, the pilot on the helicopter; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah, a crew member.
State funeral
The President announced an inter-denominational state funeral to be held for the eight heroes at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, this year.
Before then, books of condolence will be simultaneously opened at the Ministries of Defence, Environment, Science and Technology, Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), from Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14, this year, he disclosed.
The state funeral at Black Star Square is expected to draw dignitaries from across Africa and beyond, with security preparations already underway.
Tributes to the fallen
In emotional remarks, President Mahama paid tribute to each victim, highlighting their contributions to national development.
He particularly extolled the military officers’ dedication to duty and the ministers’ commitment to public service.
“These were not just colleagues, but friends and patriots who shared our vision for a better Ghana,” the President said, his voice breaking intermittently.
Alluding to how the tragedy was a deep personal loss because he shared close bonds with many of the deceased individuals, President Mahama described them as individuals who dedicated their lives to Ghana’s progress.
“That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment,” he said, stressing how the nation had lost some of its brightest minds.
While Sqr Ldr Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu, and Sergeant Addo Mensah were dedicated members of the Ghana Air Force, embodying the best of their profession, Alhaji Limuna was a humble, effective public servant, he said.
The President described Mr Sarpong as a respected statesman, Mr Aboagye as a promising leader, and Dr Omane Boamah as a brilliant and dedicated leader.
Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed was a passionate voice for his constituents and a champion for environmental stewardship, President Mahama said, adding, “These gallant men each served Ghana with distinction.”
Investigation
President Mahama confirmed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been retrieved, as were all eight of the bodies of the departed individuals.
He said the government was in close touch with the bereaved families about identification of the bodies and final interment.
The President added that while it was natural and important for questions regarding the cause of the tragedy, he assured the families and the nation that the GAF had initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
“An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash,” the President said.
Condolences
On behalf of the government and Ghanaians, the President extended condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the departed, reminding them that the entire nation mourned with them.
“We share your pain. Your loss is our loss — a loss of dedicated public servants, intellectuals and individuals who tirelessly worked for a better Ghana,” he stated.
“To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy,” he said.
