The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of eight prominent Ghanaians in a helicopter crash that occurred en route to Obuasi.
The victims, described as dedicated public servants and gallant military officers, were travelling to participate in the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) when the fatal incident occurred.
In a statement signed by Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders, the party conveyed its “deepest condolences” to the families of the deceased and acknowledged the gravity of the loss, describing the tragedy as one that has “shaken the very core of our national spirit.”
The victims of the crash were identified as Hon. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo.
According to the statement, the five civilians who perished were “pillars of public service” whose work had a direct impact on Ghana’s social and economic progress, while the three Air Force personnel were “gallant members” of the military who had served with courage and professionalism.
“Each of these men served with distinction, commitment, and loyalty. In their lives, they epitomised dedication, patriotism, and humility; in death, they will be remembered forever as symbols of duty and courage.”
Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders
Tribute for Distinguished Service
The Council paid tribute to the military officers, acknowledging their role in safeguarding the nation, as well as the contributions of the civilian leaders whose expertise and commitment had been instrumental in advancing national development.
The tragedy, the Council noted, has left the entire country in mourning. In what it described as a moment of “national grief,” the statement extended special sympathy to President John Dramani Mahama, under whose leadership the nation must now grapple with the devastating loss.
“The Council of Elders commiserates with His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, whose leadership now bears the weight of a grieving nation and offers strength to a shaken citizenry, whose heart bleeds for the loss of comrades, friends, brothers.”
Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders
The Council emphasized its solidarity with the bereaved families, declaring, “We mourn with you. We stand by you. We pray with you.” It called on all Ghanaians, regardless of political differences, to unite in paying tribute to the victims and to uphold their memories with dignity and respect.
The Council further urged the nation to reflect on the values these men stood for, noting that their contributions transcended political and professional boundaries. “May their memories forever be a blessing unto this land they so dearly loved,” the statement concluded.
The crash has sparked widespread grief across the country, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens. For many, the loss is not only personal but also symbolic of the sacrifices made by those in service to the nation—whether in public office or in uniform.
As the nation prepares to honour the memory of the eight men, the NDC’s Council of Elders’ call for unity underscores the need for collective healing. Their statement serves both as a tribute to the fallen and as a reminder that in moments of tragedy, national solidarity is an enduring source of strength.
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