The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has made an emotional appeal for national unity, empathy, and reflection in the aftermath of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and seven other government officials.
“This country needs to heal,” she said solemnly, urging Ghanaians to re-examine their actions and the nature of political discourse. “We must reflect on our actions, whether they are helping or harming our nation. We cannot continue to politicise tragedies. We need to bow our heads in shame and learn from the lives and sacrifices of these gallant men.”
Referring to both the late Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who also died in the crash, she added: “They lived as true Ghanaians and exemplified what we should all strive to do, show empathy for one another, serve our country with integrity, and avoid attacks or dishonesty in the name of politics.”
Calling on citizens to embrace compassion, she said: “Let us be the Ghanaians the world knows us to be—empathetic and united,” stressing that personal and political divisions must not overshadow national cohesion and shared humanity.
Her remarks came at the Ministry of Environment’s conference room, where she signed the Book of Condolence in honour of her late colleague. She was accompanied by her Deputy, Yussif Issaka Jajah; CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mrs. Efua Hoadjetou; her Deputy, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey; Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sukparu Adams Mohammed Sissala; Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Joseph Kwasi Amoah; and Mr. Divine Owusu Ansah, Director of Culture and Creative Arts.
Visibly shaken, Gomashie recounted her last conversation with Dr. Murtala just a day before the accident. “He looked at me and said, ‘I will shock you. I am going to the Ashanti Region—when I return, you’ll see the things I’ve done for you,’” she recalled.
She said she was finalising arrangements for her own father’s funeral when she received the news. A call from the Director of Culture prompted her to check the flight manifest. “I quickly went to Murtala’s page, and I was shattered,” she said.
The tragic passing of the eight government officials in the line of duty has triggered a wave of mourning and reflection across the country, with leaders and citizens echoing the Tourism Minister’s call for empathy, unity, and national healing.
