President John Dramani Mahama has addressed the nation following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians, including two sitting ministers and military personnel.
In a solemn televised statement on Thursday night, President Mahama described the incident as “a dark moment in our nation’s history,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss of what he called “some of Ghana’s finest public servants.”
“We have lost patriots men who gave their all in service to this country. This tragedy cuts deep, and our hearts are heavy,” the President said.
The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, involved a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP). The aircraft reportedly went off radar shortly before noon on Wednesday.
Among the deceased are:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, Deputy NADMO Coordinator and former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
President Mahama announced that 3 days of national mourning had been declared, with flags flying at half-mast across all public institutions.
He assured the public that a full investigation is already underway, with collaboration between the Ghana Armed Forces, National Fire Service, and international aviation experts.
He further urged Ghanaians to come together during this time of grief, emphasizing national unity over partisanship.
“This is not a time for division. It is a time to hold each other up and remind ourselves of what binds us together as a people.”
Tributes have poured in from across the political divide, with former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and civil society leaders all mourning the national loss.
The President assured the bereaved families of the state’s full support, promising that the fallen heroes will be honoured with dignity and lasting remembrance.
