I feel helicopter crash deeply within – Ofosu Ampofo

Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has opened up about the deep emotional and physical toll the recent military helicopter crash has had on him.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, in an interview monitored by Today.com.gh, Dr. Ofosu Ampofo — who now serves as Policy Advisor to the Vice President — revealed that the grief has been so overwhelming that he has lost significant weight in just one week.

“I stood on a measuring scale on Wednesday and realised that just within a week, I had lost five kg. That is how badly the news of the victims has affected me,” he said.

The former party chairman explained that the tragedy has struck him particularly hard because of the personal relationships he had with most of those who died in the crash.

“I can’t even sleep. When I hear a dirge being played, my heart beats faster, and I begin to shake,” he recounted.

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo disclosed that, after confiding in someone about his condition, he was advised to stay away from television and radio as a way to protect his mental well-being.

“The grief and pain from their death have taken a great toll on me, and I feel it deeply within,” he added.

The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of all eight people on board, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; former Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Samuel Sarpong; NDC Vice Chairman, Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna were laid to rest on August 10 in accordance with Islamic rites. An interdenominational state burial service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, to honour all the victims.