Accra: The National Commission for Civic Education has called on Ghanaians to be united as the nation mourns the passing of eight compatriots following a military helicopter crash on Wednesday. 'This tragic incident has plunged the nation into mourning and represents a monumental loss to our Republic,' the Commission said in a statement signed and issued by Madam Kathleen Addy, Chairperson, on Thursday.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Commission also extended condolences to the entire nation, especially the President of the Republic of Ghana and the government, on the untimely demise of the patriots. It emphasized that 'in this period of national sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are also with the bereaved families, whose hearts are heavy with grief.'
The statement highlighted the contributions of Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, who was among the deceased. He was recognized for his volunteer work with the Northern Regional Office of the NCCE and his leadership role as the President of the University of Ghana Chapter of NCCE's Civic Education Club.
Furthermore, the Commission prayed for the souls of the patriots to rest in eternal peace and expressed a hope that their sacrifice would inspire deeper patriotism and civic responsibility among Ghanaians.
The crash claimed the lives of all three crew members and five passengers, including two cabinet ministers, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, and Dr. Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology. The helicopter, a Z-9 military model, went down at Sikaman, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The crew members included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The passengers also included 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.
In response to the tragedy, President John Dramani Mahama declared three days of national mourning, effective Thursday, August 7, 2025.
