Accra: The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Professionals Forum has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the entire nation following Wednesday’s helicopter crash. The accident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, led to the loss of eight individuals, who were on their way to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme at Obuasi.
According to Ghana News Agency, the deceased include Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology; and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator. Other victims of the crash were Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman, NDC; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; as well as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, Co-Pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo, Flight Engineer, of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The NDC Professionals Forum paid tribute to the deceased, stating, “To the fallen heroes, your service and sacrifices will never be forgotten. Your dedication, resilience, hard work, and selfless service are etched upon our hearts in gold.” The Forum urged national unity during this period of mourning and called for “a swift, transparent, and thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to prevent future occurrences.”
Describing the accident as a tragic event that disrupted what was meant to be an important day for Ghana’s mining sector, the Forum noted the shock felt across the nation. “Our lips could barely form words as we received and watched the news of the crash, holding on to hope for a better outcome,” the statement read.
The crash is a significant blow to the current administration, with the loss of two cabinet ministers and a senior security official in a single incident. The timing of the tragedy, which occurred during the launch of the rCOMSDEP, has heightened the national impact of the loss.