The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has expressed profound sorrow following the fatal military helicopter crash that occurred on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, near Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including prominent government officials and military personnel, plunging the nation into mourning.
In a solemn statement signed by Executive Secretary Jeorge Wilson Kingson and President Andrew Edwin Arthur, PRINPAG extended its deepest condolences to the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, the Government of Ghana, the bereaved families, the Ghana Armed Forces, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the general public affected by what it described as a “devastating national tragedy.”
Nation mourns distinguished servants
Among the lives lost in the crash were Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane-Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science and Innovation, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed — both long-serving public servants with decades of contribution to Ghana’s development.
Also aboard the ill-fated military aircraft were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah.
PRINPAG acknowledged the significant national roles played by each of the deceased, emphasising that “their contributions to our nation will not be forgotten.”
A call for responsible journalism
Amid widespread public grief, PRINPAG is calling on journalists and media houses — especially its own members — to exercise the highest level of professionalism in their coverage of the tragedy.
“We must remember that behind every name is a family grieving a loved one,” the statement said.
“We implore our colleagues to avoid sensationalism, respect the privacy of the bereaved families, and report only accurate, verified information.”
In a direct appeal to the media fraternity, the association stressed that this period of national mourning should be met with dignity and restraint, calling for the upholding of core journalistic values such as empathy, accuracy, and integrity.
“This is a time for national mourning, and we must uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics and professionalism,” the statement added.
A nation in grief
PRINPAG joins numerous institutions and citizens across the country in honouring the memory of the deceased.
The association called on all Ghanaians to support the bereaved families with compassion and prayers, while also giving them the space and respect they need during this difficult time.
“We stand in solidarity with the nation in mourning this irreplaceable loss,” PRINPAG said, urging the public to refrain from actions that may cause further distress to families and loved ones of the departed.
Final tribute
As the country prepares for the funeral arrangements of the deceased, PRINPAG concludes its message with a heartfelt tribute:
“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
The helicopter crash is widely regarded as one of the most tragic accidents in recent Ghanaian history, not only for the magnitude of loss but also for the calibre of individuals involved.
National flags are expected to fly at half-mast in honour of the victims, as Ghana reflects on the fragility of life and the sacrifice of those who serve.
