Accra: The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) has expressed sorrow over the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians, including two ministers of state. It extends heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Government, and the people of Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter went down, plunging the country into mourning. The victims included Hon. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister; and Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East. The crash also claimed the lives of three Ghana Air Force personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Two of the victims, Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Limuna, have since been buried according to Islamic rites after prayers led by the National Chief Imam, with their mortal remains interred at the military cemetery. Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, Chief Executive Officer of COCMAG, in a statement Monday, said the Chamber joined the entire nation in grieving the loss of these 'illustrious sons of the land whose dedication, service, and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on our country's progress.'
On behalf of all cement manufacturers and producers in Ghana, the Chamber conveyed sympathy to the bereaved families, the Government, and Ghanaians across the country. 'We mourn the passing of these illustrious sons of the land whose dedication, service, and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on our country's progress. Their loss is not only a blow to the State but also to the many communities and individuals who benefited from their leadership and wisdom,' the statement read.
Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah noted that the late officials and officers served the nation with distinction, leaving behind legacies of patriotism and leadership that should inspire future generations. He described the tragedy as a painful moment for Ghana's development journey, given the calibre of leaders lost. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the Government, and all Ghanaians. We pray that the Almighty will grant their souls peaceful rest and give the nation strength to bear this great loss,' he added.
Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah stressed that the Chamber recognised the role of public servants in creating the enabling environment for industries to thrive and that the loss of such leaders would be felt not only in governance but also in the economic sectors they influenced. The Chamber called on Ghanaians to unite in mourning and to uphold the values of service and patriotism demonstrated by the deceased. 'May their memory remain a beacon of service and patriotism,' the statement added.
