Helicopter crash is a national tragedy – Bawumia

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has described the August 6 military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two senior government ministers and military personnel, as a devastating national tragedy.

Speaking at a solemn flower-laying in honour of the victims on Friday, August 8, Dr. Bawumia said the incident was a painful loss that touches every Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation.

“This is a national tragedy. This morning, I visited three of the deceased families, and I will continue tomorrow, Saturday, August 9. This is personal to all Ghanaians, and I extend my condolences to the government, H.E President John Dramani Mahama, the families, and the Ghana Armed Forces, who have lost gallant soldiers,” he stated.

Dr. Bawumia stressed that the tragedy must be met with unity, not division, noting that the New Patriotic Party would fully participate in all national mourning activities.

“It’s a very painful loss. Ghana has lost a tremendous amount from this particular tragedy. This is why I’m here to lay a wreath to express my condolences. This is not a partisan issue; it is a national tragedy, and you should expect full participation because it is our national duty to fully participate,” he added.

The crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region killed Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, including three military crew members. The aircraft, a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter, was en route from Accra to Obuasi when it lost contact shortly after take-off under circumstances still under investigation.

The flower-laying ceremony is part of a series of national mourning activities leading up to the state burial scheduled for August 15, 2025.