The Unified Group, a prominent organization within the nation, has issued a heartfelt call for all Ghanaians to come together in prayer, reflection, and solidarity in the wake of a tragic Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight distinguished public officials.
In an official statement signed by Nana Kwakye Anarfi, National Communications Coordinator, and Kofi Amoabeng Asante, National Deputy Communications Coordinator, and copied to Kumasimail, the Group expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged citizens to honor the legacy of the fallen leaders by recommitting to patriotism, selflessness, unity, and national development.
The statement reads in part: “It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the Members and Youth of the Unified Group extend our heartfelt condolences to the nation, the bereaved families, and the entire fraternity of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the sudden and painful demise of eight distinguished public servants in a tragic plane crash in Adansi.”
The victims, who were en route to Obuasi on a national assignment, epitomized dedicated service to Ghana and their communities.
Their untimely loss is described as a devastating blow, not only to their families and political party but to the nation as a whole, which mourns the passing of some of its most committed and selfless leaders.
The officials who perished in the crash are listed as:
1. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
2. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
4. Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, NDC
5. Mr. Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
6. Squadron Leader Peter
7. Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo
The statement pays tribute to their valor, intellect, and integrity, highlighting the significant and enduring contributions each made toward Ghana’s progress and democratic evolution. Their legacy of dedication and sacrifice will remain etched in the nation’s history.
As Ghana mourns this irreplaceable loss, the Unified Group urges the nation to unite in solemn remembrance and collective strength.
“Let us honour their memory by recommitting ourselves to the values they stood for: patriotism, selflessness, unity, and national development,” the statement concluded.
The Group extends prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and beseeches divine comfort and strength for the grieving families and all who share in the nation’s sorrow.
“May the Almighty God grant them strength and comfort to their families and all who mourn them,” the statement added.
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
