The nation of Ghana mourns the tragic loss of eight prominent citizens who perished in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. President John Dramani Mahama has declared a state-sponsored inter-denominational funeral to honor the deceased, scheduled for Friday, August 15th, at the Black Star Square in Accra. This solemn ceremony will serve as a national tribute to the dedicated public servants and military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. The President’s announcement underscores the profound impact of this tragedy on the nation and the collective grief shared by Ghanaians. Prior to the funeral, books of condolence will be opened at various locations across the country, providing an opportunity for citizens to express their sympathies and pay their respects.
The opening of books of condolence will commence on Sunday, August 10th, and continue until Thursday, August 14th. These books will be available at significant locations connected to the victims and their professional lives. Designated sites include the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO (National Disaster Management Organization). This arrangement allows individuals and organizations to personally record their condolences and reflect on the contributions of those who perished.
The helicopter crash claimed the lives of several high-ranking government officials and military personnel. Among the victims were Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator. These individuals held key positions within the government and played crucial roles in national security, environmental policy, and defense. Their untimely deaths represent a significant loss for the nation.
The crash also claimed the lives of prominent members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC. This loss is particularly poignant for the party, highlighting the human cost of the tragedy beyond the realm of governance. Alongside these political figures, several dedicated servicemen from the Ghana Air Force perished in the crash: Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo. Their service and sacrifice to the nation will be remembered. Finally, Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO, also lost his life in the accident, underscoring the wide reach of this tragedy across various sectors of Ghanaian society.
In the wake of the tragedy, President Mahama has taken swift action to investigate the cause of the crash. An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been established to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the factors that contributed to it. The board’s findings will be crucial in understanding the cause of the crash, preventing similar incidents in the future, and providing closure to the grieving families. The President’s commitment to a transparent investigation demonstrates the government’s commitment to accountability and learning from this devastating event.
Furthermore, President Mahama has confirmed that critical pieces of evidence have been recovered from the crash site. Both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, often referred to as the “black boxes,” have been retrieved. These devices contain vital information about the flight’s trajectory, technical performance, and communications leading up to the crash. Analysis of these recorders will provide investigators with valuable insights into the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. The President also confirmed the recovery of all eight bodies from the crash site. The government is working closely with the bereaved families to facilitate the identification process and make arrangements for the final interment, providing support during this difficult time.
