Sunyani: Some mourners, including traders at the Sunyani Central Business District (CBD) enclave, have urged the government to erect monuments in memory of the recent military helicopter crash, as the nation pays its last respects to the eight victims.
According to Ghana News Agency, the mourners suggested that the monuments be erected at strategic locations such as the forecourt of the Defence Ministry, the Kotoka International Airport, or the State House, to serve as a memorial to the eight patriots. The crash claimed the lives of the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, along with six others. The tragic incident occurred at the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
An interdenominational funeral service is currently underway at the Independence Square for the victims, which will be followed by the burial service for the deceased, Dr. Boamah, Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah at the Military Cemetery. The late Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, and Samuel Saprong, a Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), are also being commemorated. The late Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, were buried on August 10, in accordance with Islamic rites.
In an interview, the mourners expressed their shock and sadness over the crash, describing the victims as true patriots. Mr. Stephen Ayensu, a teacher, emphasized the need for a monument to honor them, stating that such structures could also serve as tourist destinations. Madam Lucy Adomah, a trader at the Sunyani CBD, advocated for developing the crash site into a memorial and tourist attraction to ensure the tragedy is remembered in socio-political history. She also called on the government to investigate the crash and make the findings public.
Mr. Kofi Emmanuel, a taxi driver, echoed the sentiment that venerating the dead is integral to culture and tradition, advocating for the erection of monuments regardless of the cost. He believes this would bring peace to the departed souls.
