Minority consoles families of 8 helicopter crash victims

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has paid tribute to Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence and Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as six other individuals who were killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday.

The other individuals were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Coordinator; Mr Samuel Aboagye, former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East, and Mr Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman.

The rest were Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The death of the deceased individuals was confirmed by the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Mr Julius Debrah, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, on Wednesday, after the Armed Forces helicopter Z9 on which they were on board en route to Obuasi, crashed in the general area of Sikaman near Adansi in the Ashanti Region.

The Minority Caucus, in a press statement issued and signed by the Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, described the tragic death of the eight individuals as a profound loss that “touches the very soul of the nation.”

According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, the two Cabinet Ministers involved in the helicopter crash contributed to the growth and development of the country through the Ministries they led.

He said that Alhaji Dr Mohammed had a passion for environmental protection that transcended beyond party politics and was ready to offer a listening ear with an intent to understand issues related to his sector.

Additionally, Mr Afenyo-Markin said that he shared memorable moments with Alhaji Dr Mohammed despite their political party affiliation.

Moreover, he indicated that Dr Boamah was committed to the modernisation of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) while preserving its values.

“Dr Edward Omane Boamah brought to his role as Defence Minister, a scholar’s intellect combined with a patriotic heart,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.

“These personal losses remind us that behind every political position lies a human being-someone’s beloved family member, someone’s trusted friend,” Mr Afenyo-Markin added.

He extended condolences and support of the Minority Caucus to President John Dramani Mahama as well as the NDC and the families of the deceased individuals.

“To the President, I extend my sincere condolences and the full support of the Minority Caucus in Parliament in these difficult times. Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief. In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you as Ghanaians mourn together,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.

“To the grieving families of the eight victims-Government Ministers, members of the Majority Caucus, NDC members, military personnel, and the public servants alike -our hearts go out to you in this darkest hour. To all Ghanaians who mourn with a heavy heart, know that your loved ones did not die in vain,” he added.

Mr Afenyo-Markin underscored the need to honour the deceased individuals by supporting the GAF, protecting the environment, and working together for the security and prosperity of the nation.

“Let us channel our grief into renewed determination to build the Ghana they envisioned-where public service is viewed as a sacred trust and every citizen can contribute to our national progress,” he urged