The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has described the tragic death of Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, as one of the darkest blows to Ghana’s development journey.
He joined the country’s leadership and citizens in mourning the passing of eight persons, including the two cabinet ministers, in the Z-9 military helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
“This is a monumental loss for our dear nation. We have lost visionary leaders, loyal public servants, and gallant compatriots who gave their all in service to Ghana”
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mayor of Accra
He offered a solemn tribute to Hon. Murtala Mohammed, praising the late minister’s consistent commitment to solving Accra’s environmental challenges.
According to the Mayor, the Ministry of Environment had recently initiated a joint effort with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to curb plastic pollution and promote city-wide environmental sustainability.
He said the late minister was not only instrumental in shaping the project but was a champion for green transformation in the capital.
“His passion for the environment and his commitment to green innovation were inspiring. We had started working on concrete actions to transform Accra into a cleaner and environmentally friendly city. His passing is a major blow to our collective fight for environmental sustainability”
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mayor of Accra
Hon. Allotey also praised the late Defence Minister for his disciplined leadership and his impact on Ghana’s national defence structure.
“Dr. Omane Boamah was a leader of great discipline and foresight. His stewardship at the Ministry of Defence strengthened national security and civil-military relations”
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mayor of Accra
The mayor added that the tragic loss of the other six passengers, which included a presidential staffer and security personnel, was equally painful, stating that their deaths must be recognised as acts of courage and duty to the nation. “Our hearts go out to the families of all the victims. These individuals served Ghana with dedication. Their sacrifices will be remembered,” he added.
Hon. Allotey announced that in line with national mourning protocols, all Ghana National Flags and flags of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) were being flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased. He described the symbolic gesture as an expression of the city’s grief and solidarity with the bereaved families and the nation at large.
Political Figures Pay Tribute
Meanwhile, political figures across the country have continued to pay tributes to the deceased. At the Tamale residence of the late Dr. Murtala Mohammed, National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolgatanga Central, Hon. Isaac Adongo, joined colleagues to sign the official book of condolence.
Isaac Adongo, who served on the same Trade and Industry Committee in Parliament as Dr. Mohammed, stated, “The late Murtala Mohammed will go to heaven.” He described him as a man who rejected corruption and never took what did not belong to him.
“Parliament will miss his intellectual contribution to debates and bills,” he added.
According to Hon. Adongo, the late minister was not only a trusted colleague but also an essential part of the NDC’s internal processes, having contributed significantly to the drafting of the 2024 party manifesto.
Also present at the Tamale family house were NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Vice Chairman Yakubu Abanga, who signed the condolence book and consoled the grieving relatives.
The National Chief Imam arrived at the residence to offer prayers for the soul of Dr. Murtala Mohammed. Prayers were recited, and Quranic verses were read in accordance with Islamic rites.
At the residence of the late Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah, hundreds of well-wishers, political activists, and members of the community arrived to offer their condolences.
One of the mourners, political activist Appiah Stadium, stated, “We are only passing through this world; let’s love one another.” He urged Ghanaians to value life and relationships over political divisions, especially in times of national tragedy.
The Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces are yet to release full details of funeral arrangements for the deceased ministers and the six others who perished in the crash.
Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama’s declaration, continues to observe a national mourning period for its fallen heroes between Thursday, August 7, 2025 and Saturday, August 9, 2025.
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