Ghana was plunged into national mourning on Wednesday as news of a fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and military officers triggered a widespread outpouring of grief across the country.
From the bustling streets of Accra to the rural corners of the Ashanti Region, ordinary citizens—commuters, market traders, office workers, and schoolchildren—paused to reflect, mourn, and express sorrow for what is now being widely referred to as Black Wednesday.
A deluge of calls from Ghanaians abroad hit the phones of family and friends seeking confirmation.
Flags were lowered to half-mast, ministries fell silent, social media was overtaken by tributes, and a palpable sense of grief hung over the nation, united in heartbreak.
Among the deceased were the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Murtala Mohammed; and Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture.
The others were Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ashanti Regional Minister; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; and three members of the Ghana Air Force—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
They were en route to an event aimed at confronting illegal mining, a major national concern. That they died in the line of duty has not been lost on the public. Many social media users reflected on the irony and heartbreak that these men died while working to protect Ghana’s land, people, and future.
Staff at Environment Ministry Grieve Their Fallen Minister
At the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, the atmosphere was overwhelmed with sorrow as staff received the devastating confirmation that their sector Minister, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, had died in the crash.
According to eyewitnesses, the Ministry’s Chief Director broke the news to the staff in a brief but emotionally charged announcement, sparking tears and stunned silence across the compound. Many workers broke down in tears, while others stood motionless, unable to process the scale of the tragedy.
“This is the darkest day in the life of this Ministry,” a senior civil servant was overheard saying.
Dr. Murtala, known for his down-to-earth leadership style and commitment to environmental reform, was on a mission to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) when the military helicopter transporting the delegation crashed.
Offices, markets, and roads echo with grief
In central Accra, tears were shed not only in the Ministries but also in shops, public buses, and market stalls.
Drivers tuned their radios to news stations, passengers shared updates and expressions of disbelief, and traders paused sales to join in prayers and reflection.
“It feels like a family member has died,” said Maame Esi, a tomato seller at Kaneshie Market. “These were men working for Ghana.”
In workplaces across the capital, workers broke into spontaneous discussions about the tragedy, sharing condolences and calling friends and relatives for updates.
At the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters, supporters gathered despite the absence of party officials. Some wept openly.
Social media flooded with tributes
On digital platforms, the grief was as raw as it was widespread. Across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, Ghanaians from all walks of life posted heartfelt tributes, black-and-white photos of the deceased, and quotes urging the nation to unite in mourning.
Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, simply wrote: “Black Wednesday.”
Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, posted: “My heart is broken in ways words cannot begin to express.”
Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Minister of Defence, said: “Terrible.”
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, former Information Minister, shared: “It is so heartbreaking. On this terrible day of national tragedy, my prayers go out to the families of our eight colleagues who have fallen in the line of duty.”
GBC, the state broadcaster, posted a black ribbon with the message: “Rest in Peace, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment.”
Voices from the streets
Across the nation, citizens gave voice to their pain:
Fame Derek Djisam, NDC supporter:
“Dr. Omane Boamah, so you did all as Director of Elections to win elections only to leave us eight months in power?”
Karik Musah, social media activist:
“These gallant fathers, uncles, and friends set out from their homes full of life this morning. And within just three hours, they were struck down in the prime of their lives. Why? What are we really living for?”
Selikem Acolatse-Akpaloo, broadcaster:
“Death has laid its icy hands on eight honourable men, working for God and Ghana. We pray for their families and the nation. Oh Lord! Show us Mercy.”
Steve Kubate Salifu, teacher:
“What at all are we working hard for when things can change in a split second? May God accept their souls.”
Pope John Community Mourns Beloved Alumnus
Dr. Omane Boamah’s alma mater, Pope John Senior High School, also paid tribute:
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord… May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Daasebre Dr. Omane Boamah.”
Calls for national unity in sorrow
As funeral arrangements begin and the government initiates investigations into the crash, many are calling for national reflection, unity, and greater investment in safety protocols.
The loss of these public servants has left a void—not just in government, but in the hearts of millions of Ghanaians who saw in them the promise of progress and integrity.
“We are broken, but we must carry on,” said a taxi driver near Circle. “For their memory. For the country.”
This week, Ghana weeps not for strangers, but for sons.
May their souls rest in perfect peace.
