National Chief Imam mourns victims of military helicopter crash

His Eminence, the National Chief Imam of the Republic of Ghana, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and the Ghana Armed Forces following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight citizens on Tuesday, August 6, 2025.

In his message, the Chief Imam described the incident as a “national disaster of collective grief.” He said the tragedy is not only a painful experience for the bereaved families and the affected institutions, but also for the entire country and beyond.

“It is indeed a national tragedy that cuts across all social and political boundaries. The tragic event is a reminder of the need for national resilience and unity in times of hardship. This is a time for collective strength,” he emphasized.

The Chief Imam offered his prayers for divine comfort to the bereaved families, adding that “they are not alone in this moment of divine trial.”

He further urged the Government and the Military High Command not to be discouraged, but to take inspiration from the tragedy to improve both the qualitative and quantitative capacity of the flying squadron to ensure maximum safety, security, and efficiency in future assignments.

The Chief Imam also appealed to the media to be circumspect in their discussions and reportage of the incident. “This is a moment for the exercise of high standards of professional ethics, national responsibility, and respect for our collective cultural norms,” he said.

He concluded the message with a solemn prayer for the nation and for divine mercy upon the souls of the departed.

The message was issued by Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo, Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, dated August 7, 2025.

In addition to the official message, the National Chief Imam earlier visited the families of the deceased in Accra to personally commiserate with them. His presence provided spiritual comfort and served as a strong symbol of solidarity during the nation’s moment of mourning.

Background
The fatal military helicopter crash occurred on August 6th in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region when the officials were traveling on a national duty to launch the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skill Development Program (rCOMSDEP). The crash claimed the lives of top-level government officials and security personnel, triggering a nationwide wave of sorrow and reflection.

The deceased include:

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defense
Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central
Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Others who lost their lives are:
Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary Candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Co-pilot
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Crew member