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Investigative board of enquiry set up to investigate the cause of the crash – Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of an investigative board of enquiry to determine the cause of the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others.
Addressing the nation, the President described the incident as a national tragedy and a personal loss, saying the victims were not only public officials but also individuals he shared close bonds with.
The accident led to the deaths of eight people, including Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, who was also the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
Other victims included Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate affiliated with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); and three Ghana Air Force officers—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
President Mahama assured the public and families of the victims that the Ghana Armed Forces had already begun a full and transparent investigation.
He added that the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder had both been recovered to support the investigation process.
“All eight bodies have been retrieved,” the President confirmed, adding that government officials were working closely with bereaved families to identify the bodies and prepare for final burial arrangements.
He urged Ghanaians to remain united in this moment of grief and avoid unnecessary political commentary.
“This is not a time for division or speculation. It is a time for strength, empathy, and unity,” he said.
The president disclosed that a national memorial service was scheduled to take place at the forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9 at 5 p.m., with books of condolence to be opened at various government offices and party headquarters from Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14.
He added that the state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15 at the Black Star Square.
President Mahama asked for God’s blessings upon the souls of the departed and on the nation of Ghana.
News
Turn your attention to the religious bodies – GTEC urged
A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to extend its regulatory work to unaccredited religious leaders and institutions in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Channelone TV, Dr. Boakye-Danquah urged GTEC not to focus its attention on the Deputy Education Minister, but rather turn to the growing number of individuals who parade themselves with unverified academic and religious titles.
He said while Ghana has credible theological institutions such as Trinity Theological Seminary, the Ghana Baptist Seminary, and the Assemblies of God Seminary, many people still assume titles such as “Reverend Doctor,” “Apostle,” or “Professor” without going through accredited training.
“I would want to urge the GTEC to turn their attention to religious bodies… that will sanitize the system in our country,” he said.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah expressed concern that some individuals who previously had no religious background suddenly establish churches and assume high-ranking titles without proper training.
According to him, this trend undermines the integrity of both the academic and religious systems.
He added that enforcing standards in theological education and religious leadership would help create a more credible and well-structured society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Review feeding allocation for prisoners from GHS1.80 to GHS5 – Human Rights Committee to Mahama
The Human Rights Committee of Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to increase the daily feeding allocation for prisoners from GHS1.80 to at least GHS5.
The Committee, chaired by Kumawu MP Ernest Yaw Anim, said the current amount was inadequate and therefore ought be reviewed to safeguard the rights and dignity of inmates.
It argued that an increment would help the country meet both local and international standards on prison welfare.
The call comes after the Committee commended President Mahama for granting a presidential amnesty to 998 prisoners.
The group described the gesture as a positive step towards advancing human dignity and easing congestion in prisons.
The Committee recalled that it had earlier visited the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons on May 19, 2025, where it urged government to fast-track efforts to improve conditions in correctional facilities nationwide.
According to the Committee, reviewing the feeding allocation alongside the amnesty will help create a fairer and more progressive society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
