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The international community has joined hearts in solidarity with Ghana to mourn the tragic loss of two ministers and six others in a helicopter crash.
The eight fallen persons — five government officials and three crew members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) — perished in a helicopter crash at Adansi-Brofoyedu in the Adansi Akrofuom District en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region last Wednesday.
The serving ministers of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, met their untimely death alongside a former Minister of Agriculture and acting National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; a National Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Sarpong; and a parliamentary candidate in the 2024 elections and Deputy Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Samuel Aboagye.
Officers of the GAF — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, the pilot of the helicopter; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah, crew member, also perished in the crash.
In separate statements issued between last Wednesday and Thursday, the African Union Commission, ECOWAS and the United Nations (UN) condoled with the President, John Dramani Mahama, the bereaved families, and the people of Ghana.
The UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Zia Choudhury, conveyed the condolences of the multilateral organisation to Ghanaians, urging them to stay strong in these trying times.
The statement by the AU Commission was signed by the Chairperson of the continental body, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, while the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, signed for the regional group.
Mr Choudhury said the tragic news of the fatal crash involving the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter was devastating, especially when it had claimed the lives of distinguished government officials who were working for the development of the country.
“The United Nations family in Ghana mourns with the nation in this moment of deep grief.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and the government and people of Ghana as you together face this painful loss,” he said.
He said the tragedy was not just a national wound but also a loss felt across the international community.
“We stand united at this time of mourning. We honour the memory of all those who have passed, with hope for their lasting peace,” he added.
In his statement, Mr Youssouf said the AU Commission had learned with deep sorrow of the tragic helicopter crash in the country, which claimed the lives of eight people, and would stand resolutely with the government.
He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to President Mahama and all Ghanaians, and expressed solidarity with GAF and the ruling NDC “during this difficult time.”
“The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss.
May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) expressed its condolences and profound sympathy to President John Dramani Mahama, the bereaved family, and the people of Ghana.
In a statement signed by the former President of the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is also the AWLN Patron, the AWLN prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the eight departed and asked for strength and comfort to be granted to their families and the nation during this time of mourning.
In its statement, the ECOWAS Commission said the tragic news had been received with “profound sorrow and shock.”
“On behalf of the staff and leadership of all ECOWAS institutions, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of the Republic of Ghana,” Dr Touray stated.
He said the Commission would stand resolutely behind Ghana, both in thought and in prayer, in this moment of national grief.
