Former President Akufo-Addo has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several high-profile government officials and military personnel in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region.
In a heartfelt statement, the former President described the incident as a devastating loss to the nation.
“I have spoken and extended my deepest condolences to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, and to Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman of the NDC,” Akufo-Addo stated.
He also extended sympathies to the Ghana Air Force and the families of all the victims, acknowledging the sacrifices of the fallen military personnel.
“I console with our gallant men of the Ghana Air Force at this concerning time and salute their indispensable role in the public life of our country,” he said.
Akufo-Addo concluded his message with a prayer: “May they find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.”
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of eight individuals in the tragic military helicopter crash.
In a statement, Dr. Bawumia said he had personally conveyed his condolences to President John Dramani Mahama following the devastating news.
“A while ago, I communicated to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, my deepest condolences following the heart-wrenching news of the loss of two of our nation’s Ministers and six others in a helicopter crash earlier today,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia described the victims as men who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation, noting the widespread grief the tragedy has brought.
“The fallen men paid the ultimate price in the service of our motherland, leaving a shocked nation in pain. I know most of the deceased personally and equally feel a sense of loss to see their demise under such horrid circumstances,” he stated.
He added that he, along with his wife Samira, the Bawumia family, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stand in solidarity with the nation during this time of mourning.
“May the good Lord grant the bereaved families, the Government, and people of Ghana strength and healing in this time of tragedy,” he concluded.
Wednesday's crash led to the untimely deaths of:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment and Science
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC
Samuel Aboagye
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah