Eulogies…

Several individuals and institutions in Ghana and beyond have paid glowing tributes to the memories of the victims of the helicopter crash that happened in Ghana on August 6, killing 8 persons including two Ministers in Government.

The list of persons and organisations that have sent their tributes so far includes but not limited to the Ghana Bar Association, Office of the Minority Leader, Office of the Acting Chief Justice, Scout and Guide Fellowship, The Speaker of Parliament, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, the German Embassy in Accra, MTN Ghana, the High Commission of Canada in Accra, the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM),  the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), among others.

The New Publisher reproduces some of the tributes below:

Minority Leader Osahen Afenyo-Markin

STATEMENT BY THE MINORITY ON THE TRAGIC MILITARY HELICOPTER CRASH THAT KILLED 8 GHANAIANS

Following the formal announcement earlier today by the Chief of Staff, Hon Julius Debrah, confirming the tragic loss of life in today’s military helicopter crash, I wish to express my profound grief and that of the Minority in Parliament over this devastating accident that has claimed eight precious Ghanaian lives, including two distinguished Cabinet Ministers and dedicated Public Servants who gave their all in service to our beloved Ghana.

A Nation in Mourning

The loss of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Hon Dr Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC former Parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC National First Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and our three valiant Military Personnel-Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah-represents a profound human loss that touches the very soul of our Nation.

These were fathers, husbands, sons, and devoted patriots who awakened this fateful Wednesday morning with the noble intention of serving Ghana.

Personal Reflections

I must speak from the heart about two men I knew not as political opponents, but as fellow Ghanaians united in our love for this country. Hon Dr Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and I may have sat across the parliamentary aisle, but we shared countless moments of genuine discourse about Ghana’s future. His passion for environmental protection transcended party politics, and he possessed that rare quality of listening with intent to understand.

Dr Edward Omane Boamah brought to his role as Defence Minister a scholar’s intellect combined with a patriot’s heart. In our private conversations, I witnessed a man deeply committed to modernising our armed forces whilst preserving the values that make Ghana’s Military a source of national pride.

These personal losses remind us that behind every political position lies a human being— someone’s beloved family member, someone’s trusted friend.

Condolences and Support

To His Excellency the President, I extend my sincere condolences and the full support of the Minority in Parliament in these difficult times. Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief. In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you as Ghanaians mourning together.

To the grieving families of all eight victims— Government Ministers, members of the Majority Caucus, NDC Members, Military Personnel, and Public Servants alike—our hearts go out to you in this darkest hour. To all Ghanaians who mourn with heavy hearts, know that your loved ones did not die in vain.

Honouring Their Legacy

Let us honour these eight souls by supporting our Armed Forces, protecting Ghana’s environment, and working together for our nation’s security and prosperity. Let us channel our grief into renewed determination to build the Ghana they envisioned-where public service is viewed as a sacred trust and every citizen can contribute to our national progress.

May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their memories remain everlasting beacons of light, guiding us towards a more united and prosperous Ghana.

– End-

Signed

OSAHEN ALEXANDER KWAMENA  AFENYO-MARKIN

MINORITY LEADER

Ashanti Regional Minister – Dr. Frank Amoakohene

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM THE ASHANTI REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL (ARCC)

The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) expresses its deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, who tragically perished in the helicopter crash that occurred yesterday.

This national tragedy has brought profound grief to the Ashanti Region and the country as a whole. Among the departed are two illustrious sons of our Region, Hon. Dr. Samuel Sarpong, a native of Juaben and former Ashanti Regional Minister and Mayor of Kumasi, and Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a proud son of Obuasi and Deputy Director General of NADMO. Their service to Ashanti and to Ghana was marked by dedication, humility, and an unyielding commitment to the public good.

The ARCC extends its profound appreciation to the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the Security Services, and the youth of the community who swiftly responded and assisted in the retrieval and dignified transportation of the bodies to Accra. Their bravery and cooperation reflect the spirit of unity and duty that defines the Ashanti Region.

As we mourn this painful loss, the ARCC has opened a Book of Condolence at the Regional Coordinating Council in Kumasi. Members of the public, well-wishers, and dignitaries are invited to sign and pay tribute to our departed compatriots.

We pray for strength for the families, His Excellency the President, the Government of Ghana, and the people of Ashanti Region and beyond. May the Almighty God grant our fallen heroes eternal rest.

HON. DR. FRANK AMOAKOHENE – (ASHANTI REGIONAL MINISTER)

Acting Chief Justice  – Justice Baffoe-Bonnie

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE, THE JUDICIARY AND THE JUDICIAL SERVICE OF GHANA

The Acting Chief Justice, the entire Judiciary and the Judicial Service of Ghana, wish to extend their deepest condolences to the President of the Republic; His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the bereaved families and the entire nation on the tragic passing of two Ministers of State and six other dedicated citizens including three gallant soldiers, in a horrific helicopter crash, while on their way to perform a national duty in Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region, on Wednesday, 6″ August, 2025.

This heart-breaking tragedy has left our hearts heavy and our nation in mourning. The victims were not only public servants, but also patriots whose lives were dedicated to the service of our country.

Their untimely passing. is not only a personal loss to their loved ones, but also a grievous blow to the country they so faithfully served.

The Judiciary and the Judicial Service of Ghana, stand with the President, the Government and with every grieving family, as the nation comes to terms with this immense loss.

It is our prayer, that the Almighty God grants the souls of the departed eternal rest and also grants strength, comfort and healing to all who are affected by this calamity.

The Judiciary and the Judicial Service of Ghana, pray for all to forge ahead in national unity in the service of our dear country Ghana, as we mourn the tragic death of our dear fellow eight citizens.

May their legacies of courage, selflessness and devotion to duty continue to inspire us all.

END

Issued by: Office of the Acting Chief Justice