Rashid Tanko- Computer, Deputy Director of Elections for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has revealed the emotional toll he endured upon receiving the heartbreaking news of a helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of eight public officials, including his superior, Dr. Omane Boamah, former NDC Director of Elections and Defence Minister of Ghana.
Speaking to the press during a memorial event where he laid flowers in honor of the deceased, Tanko described the news as “damn terrible”, recounting the moment he was informed.
“Yesterday around 11 a.m., when they broke the news to me in the office, I virtually collapsed. I had to be carried away to the Indian High Commission to cool down. It was terrible, too bad,” he said.
Tanko emotionally recalled his last interaction with Dr. Omane Boamah, noting that earlier that very morning at around 7:45 a.m., they had been in conversation, discussing plans for Akwatia By-Election and receiving guidance on the next steps for their electoral work.
He praised Dr. Boamah for his unique ability to effectively juggle his responsibilities as both Director of Elections and Defence Minister, calling him “the engine of our election directorate.”
Background:
The helicopter crash occurred on August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and claimed the lives of eight people, including two government ministers—Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister for Environment.
The Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 military helicopter was en route from Accra to an event aimed at combating illegal mining in the gold-mining town of Obuasi when it crashed into a forested mountainside.
All eight occupants, including three crew members and five public officials, perished in the crash, with the wreckage showing signs of a post-crash fire.
The helicopter had taken off from Kotoka International Airport at 9:12 a.m. and went off radar during its journey northwest.
The cause of the crash has not been conclusively determined but adverse weather or technical failure has been suggested as possible factors.
Upon the instructions of the President John Dramani Mahama, the Ghana Armed Forces launched an investigation, recovering the flight recorder to aid inquiries.
The tragedy is regarded as one of Ghana’s worst air disasters in over a decade. It prompted a three-day national mourning period declared by President John Mahama, who suspended official engagements, and flags were flown at half-mast.
The crash deeply affected the nation and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), which lost key members in the accident.
The victims’ remains were transported to Accra for identification, with DNA analysis conducted in South Africa due to the severity of the fire damage.
The crash site drew considerable emergency and military response, highlighting the national significance of the event and the loss to Ghana’s political and defense leadership.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
