Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has called on the Ministry of Communications to sanitise Ghana’s social media space, citing the need to curb the spread of fear-inducing prophecies and spiritual pronouncements.
His remarks come in the wake of the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that killed eight people, including top government officials.
“I would also ask and plead with the Minister for Communications to examine the sanitisation of the social media space, as many of these social media prophecies also cause fear and panic”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security
He urged the Ministry to reinforce the directive from the Office of the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, which recently instructed religious leaders to submit any prophecy or spiritual insight of national importance directly to the Presidency before going public.
“Suppose there is a way that a communiqué can also come to reinforce what the special envoy has stated, – I think that would be ideal,” he added. The Presidential Envoy’s office has indicated it will review all spiritual revelations of national significance before they are released, following a surge of prophetic claims on social media that have sparked public anxiety.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah also urged the government to strengthen aviation safety protocols for high-ranking officials. The August 6 crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and other high-profile figures.
“We need to look at our protocols in the air, such that if there are any evacuation processes, they can be done. We need to look at having some extreme measures that we put in place as a country”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security
He proposed that flights carrying VIP passengers be accompanied by an air ambulance and additional helicopters, making it more difficult for any potential threat to target the aircraft carrying the most important persons. He also urged the country to prioritise new aircrafts.
“If Ibrahim Mahama can buy a private jet, why can’t Ghana buy one too? If we can afford it as a country, let’s buy our own plane – so we’re not at the beck and call of private individuals”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security
Possible External Sabotage
In a more cautionary note, Dr. Boakye-Danquah linked the helicopter crash to possible external sabotage, warning that Ghana could be facing threats from hostile foreign actors.
“I don’t want to believe that it is just a normal crash. I suspect that someone is trying to take our sovereignty away from us. I think somebody is an enemy of Ghana”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security
He called on investigators to look beyond domestic causes and examine whether external forces might have been involved, adding that the loss of a Defence Minister and a Deputy National Security Coordinator was too grave to ignore deeper security implications.
A three-day national mourning period began on August 7 with a flower-laying ceremony, followed by an evening of reflection on August 9.
On August 10, Janazah prayers were held for Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed at the Forecourt of the State House, led by National Chief Imam Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, before their burial at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp.
The victims of the crash also included Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
An inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims is scheduled for August 15 at the Black Star Square, with President John Dramani Mahama, senior government officials, and dignitaries expected to attend.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s comments highlight the intersection between public communication, security, and trust in governance. His dual call for social media regulation and enhanced air safety measures underscores the urgency of preventing both public panic and threats to national stability.
As Ghana prepares for the state funeral, the government faces the challenge of not only honouring its fallen but also implementing measures to ensure such a tragedy does not recur.
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