Minority pays tribute to Omane Boamah, 7 others killed in helicopter crash
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two Cabinet Ministers, in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
In a heartfelt statement, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the incident as a national tragedy, extending condolences to the bereaved families and the nation as a whole.
He stated, “Following the official confirmation by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, I wish to express my deepest grief and that of the Minority in Parliament over this devastating accident that has claimed eight precious Ghanaian lives.”
Among the victims were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. Also on board were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate; Samuel Sarpong, NDC National First Vice Chairman; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, the pilot; Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, flight technician.
Afenyo-Markin described the victims as fathers, husbands, sons, and devoted patriots who died while serving Ghana.
He offered a deeply personal tribute to the two Cabinet Ministers, noting that while he and Dr. Murtala Mohammed often sat across the aisle in Parliament, they shared many sincere and thoughtful conversations about Ghana’s future.
He praised the late minister’s unwavering passion for environmental protection, saying it went beyond party politics.
He also commended Dr. Omane Boamah for his leadership at the Ministry of Defence, describing him as a man who brought both intellect and patriotism to his role, with a clear commitment to modernising the Armed Forces while preserving the values that have made Ghana’s military a source of national pride.
The Minority Caucus extended its sympathies to President John Dramani Mahama, stating, “Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief. In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you and all Ghanaians”.
The statement concluded with a call for unity and shared responsibility, urging the country to honour the fallen by supporting the Ghana Armed Forces, protecting the environment, and working collectively to secure Ghana’s future.