The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed profound grief and sorrow following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of all eight people on board, including two cabinet ministers, in what the party has described as a devastating national tragedy.
In a solemn statement issued on Wednesday, August 6, the NPP extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and urged Ghanaians to unite in mourning and reflection during what it called “an excruciatingly difficult period.”
“The New Patriotic Party is reeling with sorrow and grief following the tragic crash of a military helicopter that claimed the lives of all eight persons onboard,” the party said.
Among the victims were Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
“A loss to the entire nation”
The NPP noted that while the loss is immeasurable to the families of the deceased, its impact resonates deeply with the entire nation.
“This is not just a loss to their loved ones, but a profound loss to the entire nation they worked to protect and build,” the statement read.
“No words can truly capture the anguish of this moment. We pray that the Almighty God grants the bereaved families comfort and strength.”
The crash, which occurred in the Dampayaw Forest Reserve in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region, has stunned the nation and drawn tributes across the political divide.
Call for investigation and accountability
Beyond mourning, the NPP called for urgent steps to uncover the cause of the fatal crash, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in honouring the victims’ memory.
“We call for a thorough, transparent, and swift investigation into the cause of the crash. The dignity of the lives lost demands answers and accountability to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
Unity in national grief
The party urged all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to rally in unity, compassion, and collective prayer for the departed and their families.
“In this time of grief, we call on all Ghanaians to come together in unity, prayer, and compassion. Let us stand with the families left behind. Let us console and strengthen one another,” the statement appealed.
Honouring eight fallen heroes
In its closing remarks, the party paid tribute to the victims as national heroes who died in service to their country.
“May the souls of these eight heroes rest in perfect peace until the last day of the Resurrection, when we shall meet again.”
The crash victims also included Alhaji Muhammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman and former Ashanti Regional Minister; 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.
Their bodies were recovered Wednesday afternoon from the mountainous forest terrain by military and emergency teams. Investigations into the crash are expected to begin in the coming days.
