By: Rachel Kakraba
Co-Founder and Secretary of the Maritime Caucus, a pressure group, Sarah Nimeley, says the greatest tribute Ghana can pay to the eight fallen heroes is to make public the findings of the investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed their lives. She believes this will help ensure the necessary measures are taken to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
“We want to pray that the Lord himself will protect the nation Ghana from such incidents. I think the best tribute is to let us know what actually happened, that is the investigation”
Madam Nimeley, was speaking to GBC NEWS, after leading the Caucus, to lay flowers at the ceremonial garden in front of the presidency, in memory of the victims.
She extended her condolences to the government, the bereaved families, and the entire nation over the loss.
“First of all, our deepest condolences to the supreme leader, his Excellency John Dramani Mahama to the bereaved family, the NDC fraternity and the nation as a whole”
Madam Nimeley said the fallen heroes deserve to be celebrated and offered prayers for the repose of their souls.
Deputy Secretary Ghana Rescue Mission, an affiliate of the NDC, and also a member of the Maritime Caucus, Jake Yacson Quansah, prayed for divine guidance for the President in selecting a capable successor to fill the roles left vacant by the fallen heroes.
“May the mercy of God grant wisdom to the president to find a befitting replacement to play the roles that they were playing, so that the world will know that nothing can stop the success of the nation.
He urged that those appointed to take their places be worthy successors, committed to championing excellence in governance.
“These are heroes who have dedicated their love for the nation, they have paid the ultimate prize. The least we could do as the living is to honor their memories with excellence of governance. In fact, it is our prayer that the individuals that will be appointed to replace each one of them must make it a point to excel”
For his part a member of the Caucus, Dr. Brian Banor, raised concerns over the safety and security of Ghanaians. He said the tragic helicopter crash should be a wakeup call for the country to take such issues seriously.
“I think as a nation, over the years, we’ve been having challenges regarding the number of catastrophes ranging from fire, ocean, vehicular and so on and so forth. But one concern that a number of Ghanaians have, has to do with is the safety and security of all Ghanaians”
“I feel that this should be a wakeup call for all of us to take issues regarding safety and security seriously, so that in the near future issues of this nature wouldn’t be occurring again” Dr. Banor added.
The eight Ghanaians tragically lost their lives when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed at Sikaman-Brofoyedru, in the Adanse-Akrofrum district of the Ashanti Region.
Among the victims were two senior government officials, Dr. Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, who also served as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
Others who lost their lives include Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong.
The crash also claimed the lives of three Ghana Air Force crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Since Thursday, August 7, the Ceremonial Garden of the Presidency, has welcomed mourners who have been laying flowers and paying tribute to the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in the August 6 helicopter crash. A state funeral for the victims is scheduled to take place on August 15.
