The Minority Caucus in Parliament has voiced deep sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two Cabinet Ministers. In a heartfelt statement, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the incident as “a national tragedy” and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the nation. “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 deceased include 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 Mane-Twum Ampadu, Co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Flight Technician. Describing the eight as “fathers, husbands, sons, and devoted patriots,” the Minority Leader noted that all the victims had embarked on the mission with the singular goal of serving Ghana.
Mr Afenyo-Markin offered a deeply personal tribute to the two Cabinet Ministers, emphasising their commitment to public service beyond party lines. “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. He also praised Dr Omane Boamah’s leadership at the Defence Ministry: “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 Caucus 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 also assured the families of the victims of their support, describing the crash as a loss that “touches the very soul of our nation.” The statement concluded with a call to national unity and collective responsibility in honour of the departed: “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.”
