Accra: Ghanaians are in a state of shock and disbelief over the tragic helicopter crash near Obuasi, killing two Ministers and others on board. Some have poured out tributes and heartfelt condolences on their social media handles.
According to Ghana News Agency, confirmed dead on the aircraft were Dr Edward Omane Boamah - Minister for Defence, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed - Minister for Environment, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed - Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr Samuel Sarpong - Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress, Mr Samuel Aboagye - Former Parliamentary candidate, Squadron leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
On social media platforms of some high-profile personalities and the public, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister wrote: 'Black Wednesday' and Mr Malik Basintale, the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency wrote: 'God of Mercy!!!' Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, wrote: 'My heart is broken in ways words cannot begin to express'.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, in an interview with the media said: 'The President is emotionally down. The Vice President is leading a team to formally inform their families.' Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs wrote: 'Pain, Unimaginable' and Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Deputy Minister of Defence wrote: 'Terrible'.
The Pope John Secondary School, which produced Dr Edward Omane Boamah, wrote: 'Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Daasebre Dr Omane Boamah.'
Other media personalities like George Quaye wrote: 'Christ! No!' and Frema Adunyame wrote: 'Alhaji, we weren't expecting this. Ah! What a way to go.. Rest well friend'. The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation wrote: 'Rest in Peace Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment' and Mr Sulemana Braima, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa wrote: 'What a sad and devastating day'.
Ms Josephine Asmah, the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Works and Housing wrote: 'Not even a body to be laid in state, after all the struggles. Mo ndue oooo!!!' and Fame Derek Djisam, a supporter of the NDC wrote: 'Dr Edward Omane Boamah, so you did all as Director of Elections to win elections only to leave us eight months in power???'
Mr Karik Musah, a social media activist, wrote: 'So these gallant fathers, uncles and friends set out from their homes, full of life and vigour by 07:00 am this morning. And bam, they get struck down in the prime of their lives within the span of just three hours in such an excruciating manner. A tragedy that has left us all reeling. Why? What are we really living for? This is unbearably painful.'
Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the former Minister of Information wrote: 'On this terrible day of national tragedy, my prayers go out to the families of our eight colleagues who have fallen in the line of duty and in the service of our dear country. It is so so heart breaking to hear of our countrymen suffer this fate.'
'For the Pope John Secondary School fraternity, Pojoba Senior Dr Omane Boamah's demise stings extra painfully. May the good Lord keep their souls and comfort the families left behind. May he give us all the strength to hold the fort and carry on their service.'
Mrs Selikem Acolatse Akpaloo, a Broadcast Journalist, said: 'Death has laid its icy hands on eight Honourable men, working for God and Ghana. We pray for their families and the nation. Oh Lord! Show us Mercy. Romans 9:16' and Beposo Hemaa Nana Amanfo, another Broadcast Journalist wrote: 'Ooohh Dr. I'm heartbroken. Ante Anema cannot hold her tears..ooohhh.'
Other members of the public wrote - Steve Kubate Salifu: 'Black Wednesday. What at all are we all working hard for when things can change in a split second. May God accept their souls' and Korkor Borteye wrote: 'It will get better from here. Hmmm..Ei!! Hmm...'
They were attending an anti-illegal mining event, known as the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), in Obuasi.
