President Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe visited Accra on Monday to honor the eight Ghanaians who tragically lost their lives in the military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region.
During his visit, President Vila Nova signed the book of condolences and laid flowers at the Ceremonial Garden of the Presidency, expressing deep sympathy to President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana.
The victims included high-profile public servants and military personnel carrying out official duties. Among them were Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
Other notable figures lost in the crash were Mr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); and Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Air Force.
In a poignant development, two of the victims, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, were laid to rest on Sunday at the new military cemetery in Tse Addo, Accra.
President Vila Nova’s visit underscores the close ties between Ghana and São Tomé and Príncipe and highlights regional unity in the face of tragedy. His condolences reinforce the shared grief felt across the African continent and the commitment to supporting Ghana during this difficult time.
