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Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has joined the chorus of grief sweeping across Ghana following the deadly Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight people, including two prominent ministers of state.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, involved a Z‑9 military helicopter carrying a high‑level government delegation from Accra to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP). The aircraft went off radar and was later found burnt beyond recognition in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve near Brofoyedru Sikaman.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, in a press briefing, described the disaster as “a national tragedy of unimaginable proportions” and ordered all national flags to be flown at half‑mast until further notice.
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The deceased have been identified as:
- Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
- Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Mayor of Kumasi
- Samuel Aboagye – Former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Ghana Air Force
- Flying Officer Mane‑Twum Ampadu – Ghana Air Force
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Ghana Air Force
In a heartfelt Facebook message, Dr Bawumia extended his deepest condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the families of the victims, and all Ghanaians. He reflected on the dedication and sacrifice of the fallen officials, writing:
“The fallen men paid the ultimate price in the service of our motherland, leaving a shocked nation in pain. This is a heart‑wrenching moment for Ghana, and my thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones.”
Eyewitness accounts from the crash site described hearing a loud explosion before flames engulfed the helicopter. Security forces have since recovered the remains of all eight victims, and the Ghana Armed Forces says investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident, with bad weather being a possible factor.
Dr Bawumia called on Ghanaians to remain united in mourning and to honour the memory of the deceased by supporting their families and upholding the values they stood for.
“May their souls rest in perfect peace,” he wrote, “and may Ghana find strength to heal from this devastating blow.”
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