Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 presidential candidate of Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), called for national unity and an end to political division following a fatal military helicopter crash on Wednesday that claimed the lives of eight public officials, including two cabinet ministers.
“This is not a partisan issue. It is a national tragedy,” Dr. Bawumia told reporters after laying a wreath at the Jubilee House Ceremonial Gardens in Accra on Friday. “Regardless of party affiliation, this is a moment of mourning for all Ghanaians.”
The accident occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom district in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, as the officials were en route to a national event. The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the crash killed all eight passengers on board.
Among the victims were Defense Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Others included Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and Samuel Aboagye, the National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also perished in the crash.
Dr. Bawumia, who was joined by senior NPP figures including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Akosua Manu, Hassan Tampuli, and Mohammed Amin Adam, emphasized that the opposition would fully participate in national mourning efforts.
“It is our national duty to stand together during this time of loss,” he said. “I’ve visited some of the families this morning, and I will continue tomorrow. This tragedy affects every Ghanaian.”
The government has declared a three-day national mourning period, with flags flying at half-staff across the country. A formal wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Presidency on Thursday, followed by plans for a nationwide vigil and a state memorial service scheduled for Saturday, August 9.
To facilitate proper identification and burial, samples from the victims’ remains were flown to South Africa on Thursday for DNA analysis. A government delegation accompanied the remains to ensure expedited processing and return.
President John Mahama has yet to address the nation formally but is expected to speak at Saturday’s memorial. Analysts say the crash, which has shaken Ghana’s political and military leadership, comes at a delicate moment, with general elections scheduled for December 2024.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Armed Forces have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. No preliminary findings have been made public.
“This is a time for compassion and reflection,” Dr. Bawumia added. “We owe it to those who died in service to rise above politics and stand united.”
