Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has joined the nation in mourning the tragic deaths of two government ministers and six others who perished in a military helicopter crash earlier today.
In a solemn statement, the former president expressed his profound sorrow over the sudden passing of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. The two were among a delegation of eight who lost their lives while en route to carry out a national assignment.
“With all humility, I join the nation to mourn the shocking passing of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the six others who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash today, whilst on their way to perform a national duty,” the statement read.
Kufuor extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the victims, urging the country to remember their sacrifice and honour their legacy through unity and service.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and colleagues of all those who perished in this tragic incident. May we honour their memory by striving for compassion, unity and common purpose in serving our nation, Ghana,” he said.
The former president concluded his message with a prayer for national healing and divine comfort:
“May God console the entire nation, especially the families of the deceased, the President of the Republic and all Ghanaians.”
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting a wave of national mourning and tributes from political leaders, civil society, and the international community.
The soldiers and civil servants on board are:
Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, in a military helicopter crash at the Adansi Area in Ashanti Region.
Others who died in the unfortunate national tragedy were Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Dr Samuel Sarpong, the Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ashanti Regional Minister.
The rest are Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.