‘It hurts badly’ – Dr. Apaak mourns tragic loss of Omane Boamah, Muntala, six others 

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, President John Mahama, and institutions affected by Tuesday’s helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two sitting ministers and senior military officers.

“Condolences to the bereaved families, H.E. JDM, the NDC, government, and the Ghana Armed Forces. Our comrades and compatriots lost their lives in service to our dear nation.

“We will forever remember them for their dedicated service to our motherland, Ghana. We are unified in grief as a nation. It hurts badly,” Dr. Apaak stated in a tweet.

His remarks follow national mourning and widespread grief over the accident, which occurred on the morning of Tuesday, August 6, near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. A Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter carrying high-level government and military officials lost contact with aviation authorities shortly after taking off from Accra en route to Obuasi. All eight people on board were confirmed dead.

The deceased include Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology and MP for Tamale Central; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, crew member.

The Presidency has also declared a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday, August 7, with all flags ordered to fly at half-mast until further notice.

Tributes have poured in from across the political and military spectrum, with many highlighting the dedication and patriotism of the victims.

The Ghana Armed Forces and aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. In the meantime, the nation mourns the loss of some of its most committed public servants.