A Ghanaian movie maker, Leila Djansi, has sent a note of caution to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to forget the families of the 8 who died from the tragic accident.
According to her, if the party ever forgets them, they will pay dearly and will be reminded by the ballot.
To the moviemaker, a lot of lessons ought to be learnt from the tragedy that struck the country else the next generation will have a big problem.
Her opinion shared via social media read “This helicopter tragedy exposed glaring lapses across multiple Ghanaian systems, chief among them, journalism.
At a time when the public needed clarity, we were fed fake news, contradictions, exaggerations, and outright lies. Not one dedicated news outlet created a reliable thread for verified updates. Instead, cameras were shoved into the faces of grieving widows and sobbing ministers, while irrelevant questions were lobbed at bystanders and neighbors. Sensationalism replaced substance. Lazy work ethics took the place of strategic, heroic reportage.
I found myself turning to People Magazine and even a U.S. congressman’s social media page for credible details.
Then, from stage left, came Dr Frank Amoakohene. His consistent Facebook updates became the only reliable lifeline of information. But beyond that, I was struck by what he endured especially the split-second decisions he had to make in a country and community woefully unprepared for a disaster of this magnitude.
I wonder how he will carry this. I read that he identified bodies in the forest. That image that will haunt him for years. I hope he receives therapy. I hope he is hugged often. I hope he finds a safe space to grieve, not only for the colleagues he lost, but for the moments he replays in his mind, wishing he could have done more.
In the end, he emerged the brave one.
But Ghana needs more than brave men. It needs public servants willing to sacrifice, placing nation-building above V8s, appointments, and personal ambition. Every politician should have a “that could have been me” moment that forces reflection and an honest interrogation of motives.
Why are you really in power?
Because if no lessons are learned from this insane tragedy, then subsequent generations should prepare for a miserable existence and experience.
Dear NDC. Do not forget the families of the fallen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. If you ever forget, you will be reminded by the ballot”.
