The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has extended his deepest condolences to President John Dramani Mahama following the recent helicopter tragedy on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, involving members of his government and military men.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace after the Adansehene, Opagyakotwere Bonsrah Afriyie II, officially informed him of the incident, Otumfuo described the tragedy as a matter of national concern.
The Asantehene expressed profound sympathy for Mahama, describing the incident as a painful and challenging moment for the president, his family, and the nation.
“This is a national concern, and I sympathise with the President in this difficult moment,” Otumfuo stated.
The Asantehene urged the nation to rally around those affected, emphasising the need for unity in times of grief. He also called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident to prevent future occurrences.
Mahama, who has publicly expressed his sorrow over the incident, has suspended portions of his campaign activities to mourn with the families of the victims.
The tragic event has drawn nationwide sympathy, with political leaders, civil society groups, and citizens sending messages of support to the former president and all those impacted.
Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, were 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.
The cause remains under investigation, with the black box recovered to aid inquiries. President John Mahama declared three days of national mourning, ordered flags at half-mast, and announced a state funeral for August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square.
