Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed deep sorrow over the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior cabinet ministers, calling the incident a profound national tragedy.
In a statement released Thursday, Mr. Kufuor said he was “shocked” by the deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, both of whom were among the passengers aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter that went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.
“This is a moment of immense grief for our nation,” the former president said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and colleagues of all those who perished in this tragic incident.”
Kufuor praised the deceased for their dedication to public service and urged the nation to honor their memory by embracing unity and compassion in the face of loss. “May we honour their memory by striving for compassion, unity, and common purpose in serving our nation, Ghana,” he said.
The crash, which occurred as the delegation was en route to Obuasi on official duty, also claimed the lives of Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, National Democratic Congress Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three members of the Ghana Air Force.
Kufuor called for national solidarity and divine consolation for the bereaved families and President John Mahama, who has declared three days of national mourning.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash, which has shaken the nation and prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political, religious, and civic landscape.
