The 2024 Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent military helicopter crash that took the lives of eight individuals, including prominent government officials and military personnel, calling it a “national tragedy”.
During a heartfelt flower-laying ceremony on Friday, August 8, in remembrance of the victims, Dr. Bawumia reflected on the profound impact of this loss on the nation.
He stressed that this tragedy knows no political bounds, urging the entire country to unite in grief. He confirmed that the New Patriotic Party will actively engage in all commemorative activities.
“This is a national tragedy. This morning I visited three of the deceased families, and I will continue that exercise tomorrow, Saturday, August 9. This is personal to all Ghanaians, and I want to extend my condolences to the government, H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, families, Ghana Armed Forces, who have lost gallant soldiers.
“It’s a very painful loss. Ghana has lost a tremendous amount from this particular tragedy. This is why I’m here to lay a wreath to express my condolences. This is not a partisan issue; it is a national tragedy, and you should expect full participation because it is our national duty to fully participate,” he said.
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Dr. Bawumia was joined by several notable figures from the NPP at the ceremony.
The unfortunate helicopter crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, resulting in the deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, including military personnel.
The flower-laying ceremony is part of a series of national mourning events leading up to the state burial scheduled for August 15, 2025.
The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, alongside NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Also among those lost were three crew members of the Ghana Armed Forces: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
