Alex Afenyo-Markin
The Minority in Parliament has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of eight Ghanaians in yesterday’s tragic military helicopter crash, describing the incident as a devastating national loss that has shaken the soul of the nation.
In a statement issued and signed by the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the caucus extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Government, the Armed Forces, and all Ghanaians mourning this tragedy.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, earlier confirmed the deaths of Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Environment Minister, Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC National First Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye.
Also on board the ill-fated aircraft were Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – all of whom perished in the crash.
“These were fathers, husbands, sons, and patriots who awoke this morning with the noble intention of serving Ghana,” the Minority Leader stated.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin paid special tribute to Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed, describing their service as exemplary.
He recalled moments of bipartisan engagement with Murtala Mohammed, praising his commitment to environmental protection and his ability to listen and engage respectfully across the political aisle.
Dr. Omane Boamah, he noted, combined “a scholar’s intellect with a patriot’s heart” and had a vision to modernise Ghana’s military while preserving its values.
“These personal losses remind us that behind every political position lies a human being, someone’s beloved family member, someone’s trusted friend,” the Minority Leader said, urging all Ghanaians to reflect on the deeper human cost of public service.
The Minority pledged its full support to President Mahama in this period of national mourning, and assured the grieving families that their loved ones’ sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you as Ghanaians mourning together,” the statement added.
The Minority urged all citizens to honour the memory of the deceased by supporting the Armed Forces, protecting the environment, and strengthening the pillars of Ghana’s democracy, calling for a national recommitment to unity, service, and progress.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Majority
Adding to the national outpouring of grief, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, issued an emotional tribute on behalf of his caucus.
“It is with a deeply broken heart and profound sorrow that I, on behalf of the Parliamentary Caucus, extend my deepest condolences,” he stated.
“These were individuals who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation. Their untimely and tragic demise is a devastating blow to Parliament, the Government, the Armed Forces, and the people of Ghana as a whole,” he said.
The statement reaffirmed Parliament’s solidarity with President John Mahama, the Government, and all Ghanaians during this national tragedy.
It hailed the victims’ patriotism and commitment to duty as a legacy that will remain etched in the history of the Republic.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliamentary Correspondent