The Minority Caucus in Parliament has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including two Cabinet Ministers, in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.
In a heartfelt statement issued by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the group described the incident as a “national tragedy” and extended their condolences to the bereaved families, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the entire nation.
“Following the formal announcement earlier today by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirming the tragic loss of life in today’s military helicopter crash, I wish to express my profound grief and that of the Minority in Parliament over this devastating accident that has claimed eight precious Ghanaian lives,” Afenyo-Markin said.
Nation loses cabinet ministers, security chiefs, party leaders
Among those who perished in the crash, which occurred in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region, were Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Also on board were Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister.
The remaining casualties included Mr Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
“Fathers, husbands, sons, and devoted patriots”
In an emotionally charged section of the statement, Afenyo-Markin paid tribute to the eight fallen individuals as “fathers, husbands, sons, and devoted patriots” whose commitment to service transcended personal or political gain.
“All the victims embarked on their mission with one goal — to serve Ghana,” the Minority Leader stated. He emphasised that, despite differences in political ideologies, the deceased leaders had worked tirelessly in pursuit of national development.
Afenyo-Markin shared a personal reflection on his interactions with Dr Murtala Muhammed, highlighting the late Minister’s deep passion for environmental protection and Ghana’s future.
“Hon Dr Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and I may have sat across the parliamentary aisle, but we shared countless moments of genuine discourse about Ghana’s future. His passion for environmental protection transcended party politics.”
On Dr Omane Boamah, he offered equal praise, describing the Defence Minister as a rare combination of intellect and patriotism.
“Dr Edward Omane Boamah brought to his role as Defence Minister a scholar’s intellect combined with a patriot’s heart… deeply committed to modernising our armed forces whilst preserving the values that make Ghana’s Military a source of national pride.”
Minority stands with President Mahama and the bereaved families
The Minority Caucus extended heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledging the President’s personal grief as he leads the country through this moment of national mourning.
“Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief. In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you as Ghanaians, mourning together,” the statement read.
The Caucus further assured the families of the victims of their full support, calling the tragedy a loss that “touches the very soul of our nation.”
Call for national unity in honour of the fallen
The Minority concluded their statement with a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to rise above political and social divisions and unite in honour of the eight lives lost.
