Editorial
Fare thee well, condolences to families of helicopter crash victims
Ghanaians were struck with grief on August 6, 2025, as the news of the crash of the Ghana Air Force (GAF) helicopter Z-9 at Adansi-Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region spread like wildfire moments after the incident occurred.
The helicopter, which crashed into a forested mountainside resulted in the death of eight individuals, including two government ministers and other prominent figures who were en route to Obuasi for an event about fighting illegal mining.
Anyone who heard the news reacted with shock, grief, and sombre reflection on the incident.
The victims were Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Dr Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and a former Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Others are Dr Samuel Sarpong, Second National Vice Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Aboagye, Acting Deputy Director General in Charge of Relief and Protocol at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the Obuasi East Constituency.
The rest are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Co-Pilot and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Crew member.
Following the crash which was so devastating, the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama declared three days of national mourning, and flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast.
The event themed ‘Evening of Reflections and Memorial’ allowed the nation to grieve and also served as a time of remembrance and reflection for the nation.
Yesterday, a state funeral was held at the Black Star Square for the victims, two of whom were earlier interred on Sunday at the Military Cemetery according to Islamic tradition.
As usual, there was an outpouring of condolences and support for the families of the victims as Ghanaians and also international bodies mourned the loss of the victims. It was an emotional moment of grief as tears rolled down the cheeks of guests who were mostly clad in black.
The news was devastating but we want to assure the families of the victims that we are solidly behind them sharing in their pain. Our only consolation is that God knows best and he is a great comforter.
The Spectator, together with its cherished readers wish the widows, children, families of the victims and the entire nation our deepest condolences. We ask the Almighty God to strengthen, protect and provide for the widows and children left behind.
May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
Adieu!!
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to express my growing concern about the increasing display of adult content on some television stations in the country.
These programmes, often aired during hours when children are most likely to be watching, pose a serious threat to their moral development and general well-being.
Television remains one of the strongest influences on young people, and stations have a responsibility to ensure that their content reflects the values we seek to instil in our society.
Unfortunately, some channels appear to prioritise sensationalism and profit over public safety and decency.
Such content not only exposes children to material they are not prepared to process but also undermines parents’ efforts to guide their behaviour.
I call on the National Media Commission (NMC) and other regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter guidelines to protect viewers, especially minors.
Broadcasters must be reminded of their duty to promote responsible and wholesome programming.
Our airwaves should uplift, educate, and inform — not endanger the moral fabric of the next generation.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
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Dear Editor,
I AM writing to share my thoughts on the ongoing issue at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, which has attracted national attention after the Deputy Attorney General released a statement in court.
The matter is about whether Muslim students are being denied the right to freely practice their religion, and whether they are being compelled to follow practices that go against their faith.
To me, this is not just a legal issue but a question of fairness and respect in our schools.
While the Constitution guarantees every student the right to practice their faith, schools also have traditions and rules that must be respected. As the saying goes, “When you go to Rome, you do what Romans do.” If a teacher is teaching, it is not right for a student to suddenly leave for prayers. That disrupts learning.
Instead, schools should provide a clear time and place for worship, so that students can honour their faith without disturbing academic work. There is time for everything; time to learn, and time to pray.
Wesley Girls SHS can continue to uphold its Methodist heritage while also respecting the rights of Muslim students.
This compromise will protect unity and ensure that our schools remain places of both discipline and inclusion.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
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