By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
“As the bugle sounds and the night holds its silence, we salute them — brave men who served with pride and fell with honour.”
With these solemn words, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Oppong-Peprah, encapsulated the profound grief that has enveloped Ghana since the tragic August 6 helicopter crash. The nation gathered at Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, to lay to rest its eight fallen patriots. The scene was one of shared sorrow that transcended political divides, as President John Mahama and former President Nana Akufo-Addo stood shoulder-to-shoulder, united in mourning. This display of solidarity was a powerful symbol that the deaths of these public servants had become a unifying force for the nation.
A Shared Legacy of Sacrifice
Beyond their titles and uniforms, the funeral service unveiled the profound personal cost of the tragedy. The tributes from loved ones transformed the victims from public figures into fathers, husbands, and friends, offering a raw, emotional narrative that resonated with every Ghanaian.
The late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, was remembered not for his policies but for his deep-rooted love for his family. His wife, Rita, shared a haunting question he often asked her: “what will you do when I am not around?” This simple query speaks volumes about the private anxieties hidden behind public roles.
The loss of Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed was mourned by his wife, Hadiatu, who offered a touching anecdote that perfectly captured his dedication to duty. “I was sharing him with the President of Ghana as well,” she said, highlighting the constant demands of public service.
The tribute for Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was a heartbreaking reminder of a future cut short. His wife revealed that their newborn’s christening had been planned for October, a life tragically ending just as another was beginning.
For Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, the grief was raw and deeply personal. His wife, Lieutenant Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, articulated a feeling of profound loss that many could relate to, stating that “this silence is too loud.”
The tributes also honored the crew who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Chief of Defence Staff praised the dedication of Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, noting his
critical role as an aircraft technician whose “engineering expertise” was vital to the operational readiness of the helicopter fleet. His commitment to ensuring the safety of those on board underscores the quiet heroism of those who work behind the scenes.
The National Security Council Secretariat also paid its respects, describing Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Dr. Muniru Mohammed Limuna as a man whose “legacy of humility, dedication, and service” would inspire the entire secretariat. His time with them was brief, they noted, but his vision “will endure for years to come.”
The tragedy also claimed the lives of Dr. Samuel Sarpong, the NDC Vice Chairman, and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate. Their roles as key political figures were acknowledged, and the National Security Council’s collective tribute for all eight victims served as a powerful reminder that they were “comrades who served Ghana to the end.”
A Nation Pauses in Grief
The day of the tragic crash saw a nation plunged into shock and sorrow. A military helicopter, a Chinese-made Z-9, was on a mission to launch a community mining scheme aimed at combating illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey’, when it abruptly went off radar. The crash in a heavily forested area of the Ashanti region killed all eight people on board, including two Cabinet ministers and three military crew. The loss was a staggering blow to the government and the Ghana Armed Forces, leaving a void that would be felt across the country and a shock felt in international capitals.
The Power of Unity
The shared grief, for a brief time, transcended partisan divides, leading to a new level of political discourse. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo, in a statement to the press following the funeral service, highlighted the gravity of the moment. “This tragedy transcends all political divides. We are all Ghanaians, united in our grief and our resolve to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our nation,” he said.
This sentiment was echoed on the streets of Accra. A student, Seidu Abdallah, shared his thoughts: “Seeing our leaders from both sides of the aisle together made me feel a sense of pride. This tragedy has made us stop and think about what really matters. We lost people who were serving Ghana, and their sacrifice demands that we do better.”
The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, also offered a forward-looking perspective, urging the country to move from sorrow to acceptance. Her powerful words, “As we reset our country, you are always with us,” perfectly captured the sentiment that the sacrifice of these patriots should inspire a stronger, more united Ghana.
Ghana Seeks Answers in Crash Probe
The solemn farewell served as a powerful beginning, with the nation’s leaders transforming grief into a mandate for change. President Mahama, in a statement, urged the nation “to transform the sorrow into a catalyst for action and dedication to the ideals the eight compatriots stood for.” He further demonstrated this commitment by approving posthumous promotions for the three Ghana Armed Forces personnel: Wing Commander Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. This tangible act of recognition elevates their sacrifice and will have a lasting impact on their families.
In the days following the crash, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) swiftly initiated an investigation, recovering the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Recognizing the need for an independent and transparent probe, the government has sought international assistance.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that Ghana has formally requested the United States for assistance. “On the instruction of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, we have formally requested the Americans to come in and assist,” Ablakwa stated. The government has also made contact with the Chinese manufacturers of the Z-9 helicopter, who are on standby to provide technical support. This decisive move demonstrates the government’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation that will leave no room for doubt or suspicion.
