By Valentia Tetteh
The Minority in Parliament has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of all eight persons onboard, including Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Muhammed.
In a heartfelt statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Caucus described the incident as a “devastating accident that has claimed eight precious Ghanaian lives,” and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire nation.
The victims include Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC National First Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three military personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
“These were fathers, husbands, sons, and devoted patriots who awakened this fateful Wednesday morning with the noble intention of serving Ghana,” the statement read.
Reflecting personally, Mr Afenyo-Markin spoke of his relationship with two of the victims: “Hon Dr Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and I may have sat across the parliamentary aisle, but we shared countless moments of genuine discourse about Ghana’s future. His passion for environmental protection transcended party politics,” he said.
He also praised Dr Omane Boamah’s leadership at the Ministry of Defence, stating, “In our private conversations, I witnessed a man deeply committed to modernising our armed forces whilst preserving the values that make Ghana’s military a source of national pride.”
The Minority extended full support to President John Dramani Mahama and called for national unity in this moment of grief.
“Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief. In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you as Ghanaians mourning together,” the statement added.
The Minority Leader concluded, “May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their memories remain everlasting beacons of light, guiding us towards a more united and prosperous Ghana.”
