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!!