Accra: The Tongu Chiefs' Union (TCU) has extended heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the people of Ghana, and the families of the eight victims of last Wednesday's fatal military helicopter crash. The crash occurred at Sikaman, near Adansi Akrofuom in the Obuasi East Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the tragic incident, which took place on August 6, 2025, claimed the lives of two ministers and others, including Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Alhaji Murtala Muhammed, MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate; Sqn. Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah.
In a statement signed by the Union's President, Togbega Kadzi Zogah II, the crash was described as sad and unfortunate, noting that the nation had lost heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. The TCU commended the government and bereaved families for their efforts to ensure a dignified burial for the victims.
The Union expressed deep sympathy to the grieving families, particularly the children, spouses, and parents most affected by the tragedy. The statement expressed hope that the state would provide necessary emotional and psychological support to help them through this challenging time.
The TCU urged President Mahama and his government to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, noting that the victims were reportedly engaged in an assignment related to this issue when the tragedy occurred. It emphasized that the loss should serve as a call to unite against illegal mining.
The chiefs and residents of Sikaman and Adansi Akrofuom were commended for their support during rescue operations, which facilitated the retrieval of the victims' remains. The statement expressed optimism that the national unity and collective grief could lead to retooling the Air Force to prevent future incidents.
Additionally, the TCU called for discussions on replacing the ageing presidential jet and appealed to the public to avoid conspiracy theories about the crash's cause. It urged patience for the results of the ongoing investigations, including the black box analysis, to understand the accident's cause.
The statement concluded with a call for calm, awaiting professional findings and recommendations.
