The Minority Caucus in Parliament has expressed profound sorrow over the military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives—including two Cabinet Ministers—in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Caucus described the tragedy as “a national tragedy” and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the nation at large.
“Following the formal announcement earlier today by the Chief of Staff, Hon Julius Debrah, confirming the tragic loss of life in today’s military helicopter crash, I wish to express my profound grief and that of the Minority in Parliament over this devastating accident that has claimed eight precious Ghanaian lives,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The Victims
The crash claimed the lives of:
- Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Hon Dr Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Aboagye – Former NDC Parliamentary Candidate
- Samuel Sarpong – NDC National First Vice Chairman
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
- Flying Officer Manin Twum Ampadu – Co-pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah – Flight Technician
Describing the eight as “fathers, husbands, sons, and devoted patriots,” the Minority Leader said the group embarked on the ill-fated mission with a shared commitment to national service.
Afenyo-Markin offered a personal tribute to the two Ministers, highlighting their dedication to duty and cross-party cooperation.
“Hon Dr Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and I may have sat across the parliamentary aisle, but we shared countless moments of genuine discourse about Ghana’s future. His passion for environmental protection transcended party politics,” he said.
On Dr. Omane Boamah, he added: “Dr Edward Omane Boamah brought to his role as Defence Minister a scholar’s intellect combined with a patriot’s heart… deeply committed to modernising our armed forces whilst preserving the values that make Ghana’s Military a source of national pride.”
The Minority also extended condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, stating: “Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief. In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you as Ghanaians mourning together.”
They further pledged their support to the bereaved families, describing the tragedy as one that “touches the very soul of our nation.”
The statement closed with a rallying call for unity and national responsibility: “Let us honour these eight souls by supporting our Armed Forces, protecting Ghana’s environment, and working together for our nation’s security and prosperity.”
