Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on Friday delivered a deeply personal and emotional tribute to the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash, describing them as “gallant heroes” whose dedication, loyalty, and hard work would forever guide the nation.
Speaking at the State funeral held at Black Star Square, the Vice President reflected on the painful irony of the moment, saying, “We should all have been at our usual activities, throwing up ideas in the interest of contributing to the national agenda — not here paying tribute.”
Her words carried both national grief and personal loss, as she recalled an unfinished conversation with the late Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, about their work on the Ghana Armed Forces Council. “You had a positive reaction to the prospect of working more closely with me… I was even more excited about learning from you. But man proposes, God disposes,” she said.
The Vice President praised the fallen — who included ministers, senior public servants, political leaders, and Air Force officers — for their unwavering determination to serve Ghana. She urged citizens to make firm, purposeful decisions and seize opportunities to advance the national interest, as the late officials had done.
Quoting Ivorian poet Bernard Dédier, she reminded mourners that the dead live on in spirit: “The dead are not gone forever… They are in the fire, in the weeping plant, in the wounded place, in the home, everywhere.”
The victims — Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; Mr. Samuel Sarpong; Mr. Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — perished in the crash at Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, while on official duty.
Two, Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna, were buried on August 10. The remaining six were laid to rest at the new Military Cemetery in Tse Addo after Friday’s solemn ceremony, which blended military honours, poetry, prayer, and pledges to uphold their legacies.
“Thanks for leaving these gifts with us… forever,” the Vice President said in closing. “Rest in peace.”
