Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has joined the flood of national condolences following the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others on Wednesday, August 6.
In an emotional message, Dr. Bawumia expressed sorrow over the “heart-wrenching news” of the loss, stating that he personally knew most of the deceased and found it difficult to come to terms with their sudden deaths.
“Samira, I, the Bawumia family, and the NPP join the nation in mourning them,” he wrote, extending prayers for strength, healing, and comfort to the bereaved families and the country at large.
The crash claimed the lives of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator: Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, National First Vice Chairman of the NDC.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Armed Forces also lost their lives. In the aftermath, the government directed all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.
More Tributes
Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former NPP General Secretary, described the late ministers as “fine gentlemen, public servants, and gallant soldiers of peace,” acknowledging the burden of responsibility they carried in nation-building.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Energy Minister and Vice Presidential flagbearer of the NPP, joined in grieving with President Mahama and the NDC over the “painful loss of key members” of government.
Hon. Sammy Awuku, MP for Akuapim North, extended sympathies to the President and the bereaved, remarking that their demise had left a void that would be hard to fill.
Okaikwei Central MP Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah said, “My condolences go to the President, the bereaved families and the NDC. May the souls of the departed find eternal rest in the Lord.”
Academic voices also joined the mourning. Professor Ransford Gyampo of the Ghana Shippers Authority noted that Dr. Murtala Mohammed had recently completed “one of the best PhD dissertations in our department,” and described the deaths as not just national loss, but a personal one.
Diplomatic and International Response
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio described the news as “tragic” and extended condolences to President Mahama and the Ghanaian people. “We are with you in your grief,” he stated.
“My heartfelt condolences – during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that the people of Sierra Leone stand in solidarity with you as you mourn this profound loss”
Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone
German through its embassy also sent a message of sympathy, while the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed solidarity with Ghana over the incident.
Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to the UK, called for a “thorough investigation” into the crash, questioning the oversight of meteorological authorities and aircraft maintenance providers. She expressed fear that the incident could be passed off as a routine accident, urging that “we need to know the truth.”
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) expressed condolences to the Ghana Armed Forces and the family of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, a graduate of the school’s Computer Engineering programme.
The university acknowledged his distinguished service and ultimate sacrifice.
The helicopter, operated by the Ghana Armed Forces, disappeared from radar while en route to Obuasi. The wreckage was later found in the Adansi Akrofuom forest after an extensive search.
All eight persons onboard were confirmed dead. The Chief of Staff’s office issued a statement confirming the fatalities and flag protocol but has yet to provide further detail.
As investigations continue, the wave of grief from across the political, diplomatic, and academic landscape underscores the magnitude of the loss. While Ghanaians await further information on the circumstances surrounding the crash, the nation pauses to honour the memories of those who died in the line of duty.
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