‘Death doesn’t recognize NPP or NDC’ — Simon Osei Mensah on helicopter crash

Former Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah has called for national unity and compassion in the wake of the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.

Speaking during a solemn remembrance gathering, Mr. Mensah urged Ghanaians to set aside political divisions and focus on the magnitude of the human loss.

“This is not politics. Death doesn’t recognize NPP or NDC. As a country, we often politicize everything, but this is about life, about human beings,” he said.

Visibly emotional, the former minister joined other mourners in paying tribute to the fallen military personnel and public servants, many of whom have been hailed as gallant patriots who died in the line of duty.

The crash, which occurred under still-unclear circumstances, has plunged the nation into mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country. Many have also renewed calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster.

Mr. Mensah stressed that moments of national grief must be met with empathy rather than partisanship.
“We must come together to console the families. They’ve lost sons, brothers, fathers — this pain is bigger than politics,” he added.

The fatal incident occurred near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on the morning of August 6, 2025. The aircraft, a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter, was en route from Accra to Obuasi when it lost contact shortly after take-off.