Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has joined a chorus of national voices grieving the tragic loss of eight Ghanaians in a military helicopter crash in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region, describing the incident as a “national tragedy of immense proportions.”
In a solemn statement released on Tuesday afternoon, the former Commander-in-Chief expressed solidarity with President John Dramani Mahama, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the bereaved families, calling the moment one of deep sorrow for the entire nation.
“I have spoken and extended my deepest condolences to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and to Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman of the NDC,” Akufo-Addo said.
Remembering the Victims
The crash claimed the lives of prominent public servants and military personnel, including:
Hon. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, MP 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 NDC
Mr. Samuel Aboagye, senior political official
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot
Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, Co-pilot
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Flight Technician
A Call for National Reflection
Rather than focusing solely on political loss, Akufo-Addo used the moment to call attention to the sacrifice of military personnel and the broader impact of such tragedies on national cohesion.
“To the bereaved families, I offer my deepest condolences,” he said. “May they find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.”
He particularly praised the Ghana Air Force, noting their unwavering service even under the most challenging circumstances. His statement emphasized unity over partisanship, describing the victims as “servants of Ghana” whose legacies would live on.
National Mourning in Motion
As the country grapples with the scale of the disaster, flags are expected to fly at half-mast, and a state funeral may soon be organized to honour the dead. Akufo-Addo’s tribute adds to a wave of national reflection, with messages of sympathy pouring in from across the political spectrum.
The tragic crash marks one of the most profound losses of public officials in recent Ghanaian history, with calls already emerging for enhanced safety measures for government and military travel.
In the words of the former President:
“This is a time to mourn, to unite, and to reflect on the lives dedicated to the service of Ghana.”
