Adu Boahene commiserates with families of helicopter crash victims

Former Director-General of the National Security Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has joined Ghanaians in grief following last Wednesday’s fatal helicopter crash at Adansi-Brofoyedu in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of two serving ministers and six others.

Mr. Adu-Boahene, in a solemn show of solidarity, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the nation at large, describing the tragedy as a “national wound that will take a long time to heal.” He commiserated with relatives of the victims, noting that the incident had robbed Ghana of dedicated public servants and gallant officers whose contributions to national development were invaluable.

Reflecting on a personal connection to one of the victims, Mr. Adu-Boahene revealed that the late Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, was his senior during their time at Pope Jones Secondary School. “This loss is deeply personal for me. Beyond his public service, he was a mentor figure during our school days, and it pains me to bid farewell under such tragic circumstances,” he said.

*The 8 heroes*

The eight victims — five government officials and three Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) crew members — were en route to Obuasi when their helicopter went down. Among them were Dr. Boamah; the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; former Minister of Agriculture and acting National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Vice-Chairman, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Coordinator and parliamentary candidate in the 2024 elections, Samuel Aboagye.

Also on board were three GAF officers: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah, crew member.

Mr. Adu-Boahene also remarked that their service to Ghana “will remain a legacy of patriotism and sacrifice.” He further urged the country to rally behind the bereaved families, not only in this period of mourning but in the days ahead, when the pain and void of loss will be most deeply felt.

“This is a time to put politics aside and remember our common humanity. These were men who served their country in different capacities, and they paid the ultimate price in the course of duty,” he said.