Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has mourned the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two cabinet ministers and senior military officers.
In a solemn statement released on Wednesday, Afenyo-Markin described the incident as a national catastrophe that has left Ghana in mourning. The crash involved a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter, which went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region shortly after taking off from Accra en route to Obuasi.
Among the deceased are Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, both of whom were on official duty. The helicopter, which took off at 9:12 a.m., also carried Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC National First Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former NDC Parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Minority leader wrote: “We are united in grief over this tragic loss. These were not just public officials or soldiers; they were fathers, husbands, sons, and patriots who awoke with the noble aim of serving Ghana.”
She paid glowing tributes to the two fallen ministers, highlighting their unwavering service to the nation.
Of Dr. Murtala Mohammed, he said: “Though we sat on opposite sides in Parliament, I saw in him a tireless advocate for the environment, a man who listened, engaged, and believed in our collective duty to future generations.”
Describing the late Defence Minister, Afenyo-Markin added, “Dr. Omane Boamah embodied both intellectual rigour and a deep patriotic spirit. In our private discussions, he revealed a sincere commitment to strengthening and modernising Ghana’s armed forces while preserving their noble traditions.”
He extended condolences on behalf of the Minority Caucus to President John Mahama and the grieving families, pledging full support during this painful chapter.
“This is a moment to pause and honour not only their memory but the ideals they stood for, service, sacrifice, and dedication to Ghana,” the statement read.
Afenyo-Markin urged Ghanaians to unite in honour of the fallen, calling for renewed commitment to national progress.
“Let us transform our grief into resolve to uphold the sacred trust of public service, support our armed forces, safeguard our environment, and work together for a safer, more prosperous Ghana.”
He appealed for national reflection on the risks undertaken daily by public servants and uniformed officers, stressing that their sacrifices must not go unnoticed. “We owe them our deepest respect and our action,” he added.
The Ghana Armed Forces and relevant agencies continue investigations into the cause of the crash. A period of national mourning is expected to be declared in the coming days.