The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has extended his deepest condolences to President John Dramani Mahama following August 6, 2025 tragic military helicopter crash at Adansi Brofoyeduru, which claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others who were on a national assignment to Obuasi.
The crash, which occurred on August 8, 2025, took the lives of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, and Alhaji Mutala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, along with six other officials, including Alhaji Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The victims were traveling from Accra to Obuasi when the tragedy struck. The Environment Minister and Alhaji Muniru Limuna have since been buried, while preparations continue for the state funeral of all eight who perished.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace after the Adansehene, Opagyakotwere Bonsrah Afriyie II, formally conveyed the sad news to him, the Asantehene described the accident as a matter of national concern.
According to him, the magnitude of the loss extends far beyond the bereaved families to the entire nation.
“This is a national concern, and I sympathize with the President in this difficult moment,” Otumfuo said, adding that the victims died while serving the country and that their contributions would not be forgotten.
He urged Ghanaians to rally around the government and support the bereaved families, stressing that unity and compassion were vital in times of collective grief.
“This is not only the loss of the families involved but the loss of Ghana. In moments like this, we must stand together as one people”.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
For the Asantehene, the moment is one of reflection and solidarity. His words to President Mahama at Manhyia underscored the gravity of the tragedy and the need for unity as the nation faces this painful chapter.
Arrangements Ahead of the State Funeral
Meanwhile, arrangements for the state funeral of the eight fallen officials have been formally announced. The solemn ceremony will honour the memory and sacrifice of the victims, who were described by the presidency as “gallant citizens who fell in the line of duty.”
In a statement signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidency extended an invitation to media houses to cover the funeral. The event will be conducted under specific protocols to ensure order, space management, and decorum.
According to the statement, limited accreditation will be granted to photographers and camera operators to access a special media zone within the inner perimeter of the funeral grounds.
This measure is intended to maintain optimal space during the ceremony. Reporters, however, will not require accreditation and may join mourners or use designated media stands.
Applications for accreditation must be submitted by media houses for photographers and camera operators via email to [email protected] no later than midday (noon GMT) on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
To facilitate comprehensive live coverage, the Presidency’s communications team will provide a dedicated clean feed for all local and international television stations and media organisations wishing to broadcast the ceremony live.
The feed will be available both on-site and through the dedicated Outdoor Broadcast channel on the DTH decoder, serving as the primary source for the live transmission.
Additionally, radio and television stations planning studio discussions or live remote broadcasts from the funeral venue will be assigned a designated area with access to connect to the clean video and audio feed. This section will not require accreditation.
“We appreciate the media’s understanding and cooperation in ensuring a dignified and respectful State Funeral for our departed compatriots,” the statement concluded.
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