The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed heartfelt condolences to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the August 6, 2025, Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two cabinet ministers.
The party has also publicly distanced itself from what it described as “insensitive and unacceptable” remarks made by some individuals following the tragedy.
NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah led a delegation, including the party’s 3rd Vice Chairman, to the NDC headquarters in Accra, where they were received by NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and Deputy Communications Officer Godwin Arko Gunn.
The visit, described by both parties as an important moment of political solidarity, comes in the wake of national grief over the incident. Speaking during the courtesy call, Mr. Koduah said it was essential for political parties to rise above partisan divides during moments of national tragedy.
He noted that while both the NPP and NDC have passionate grassroots supporters, some of the statements made in the aftermath of the crash were deeply inappropriate and risk undermining the spirit of unity needed at such a time.
“In times like this, we must all feel solidarity. Indeed, there are certain comments that are made by what you refer to as foot soldiers, or people who are not even closer to the leadership of the party.
“At some point, it is important that when such unfortunate condemnable statements are made, the leadership council distances itself from it, and also to let them know that this is not the stand of our party.”
NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah
Political Maturity
The NPP General Secretary emphasised that political maturity requires leaders to address harmful rhetoric regardless of its source. He expressed particular concern over comments attributed to some individuals, including MPs, which either placed blame for the crash on the NPP or suggested that certain people should have been among the deceased.
“After these incidents, there are certain comments—even from MPs—saying that the NPP is behind all these things, and some are also saying that they’ve been expecting some other people to have died.
“These things are not positive for our democracy. Death is something that, as you always say, you shouldn’t even wish for your enemies.”
NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah
Mr. Koduah stressed that such remarks did not represent the position of the New Patriotic Party and called on both political parties to collectively discourage such divisive language.
“Mr. Chairman, if anything came from our side, I would like, on behalf of our party, to offer an apology to the NDC and, through you, to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. Such behaviour does not reflect the position of the New Patriotic Party, and we will never condone it” .
NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah
The August 6 helicopter crash, which has been described as one of the darkest days in recent Ghanaian history, has sparked widespread mourning across the political spectrum. The incident has not only claimed the lives of prominent leaders but has also prompted calls for a more respectful national discourse during periods of tragedy.
Bipartisan Cooperation
The NPP’s gesture could help set a precedent for bipartisan cooperation in times of crisis. In a political climate often marked by sharp rhetoric and mistrust, moments of mutual respect, such as this condolence visit, are rare but significant.
Mr. Koduah reaffirmed his party’s commitment to fostering peaceful relations between the NPP and NDC, even in the heat of political competition. “It is important that in times like this, we all find common ground and show the nation that our humanity comes before our political differences,” he said.
The NDC leadership, for their part, expressed appreciation for the NPP’s visit and condolences. The meeting was described as cordial, with both parties agreeing that, beyond political rivalry, there must be space for mutual compassion when the nation is grieving.
For now, the NPP’s apology and condemnation of insensitive remarks stand as a reminder that respect and humanity must prevail, even in a deeply polarised political environment.
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