August 6 military helicopter crash could be sabotage – Palgrave Boakye-Danquah

Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has suggested that the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region may have been an act of sabotage, warning that Ghana could be facing threats from external enemies.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, August 11, Dr. Boakye-Danquah described the tragic incident as a possible national security breach that demands urgent attention. “External enemies may be behind the military helicopter crash,” he cautioned, adding that the disaster, which claimed the lives of eight gallant heroes, must serve as a wake-up call to strengthen the country’s aviation and security protocols for top officials.

He called for a comprehensive overhaul of VIP air travel safety measures, including deploying additional aircraft to escort high-priority flights. “If a flight is moving, there should be an air ambulance and extra choppers — so it’s harder to target the one carrying our most important passengers,” he said.

Dr. Boakye-Danquah also pushed for Ghana to acquire its own aircraft for national emergencies rather than depending on private benefactors. “If Ibrahim Mahama can buy a private jet, why can’t Ghana buy one too? If we can afford it as a country, let’s buy our own plane — so we’re not at the beck and call of private individuals,” he argued.

The crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District killed Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

On Sunday, August 10, Janazah prayers were held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra for Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed, followed by burial at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp in line with Islamic rites. The ceremony drew President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, bereaved families, senior officials, Members of Parliament, the Muslim community, and the general public.

A three-day national mourning period began on August 7 with a flower-laying ceremony, followed by an evening of reflection on August 9. An inter-denominational state funeral for all victims will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square.