President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to unite in collective sorrow and reflection following a devastating helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom that claimed the lives of eight distinguished citizens.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, involved both civilian and military passengers, including government ministers, a parliamentarian, top military officers, and senior members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a solemn televised address, Mahama described the incident as a national tragedy that had shaken the foundation of the country. “It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I address you tonight,” he said. “Yesterday, a tragic helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom claimed the lives of eight cherished members of our Ghanaian family.”
The deceased were identified as:
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Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
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Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment
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Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
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Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
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Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO
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Squadron Leader Peter Anala
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Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu
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Sergeant Ernest Addo
Mahama noted that many of the victims had close personal relationships with him and had served the nation with distinction and selflessness. “We have lost some of our nation’s brightest minds,” he said, adding that the loss was not just political, but deeply personal and national.
He called for a period of unity and national mourning, urging Ghanaians to resist the urge for speculation and political division during this painful time. “Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families,” he implored. “This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring.”
An Evening of Reflection will be held at the State House forecourt on Saturday, August 9 at 5:00 p.m., while a state funeral is scheduled for Friday, August 15 at Black Star Square.
