Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has called on Ghanaians to embrace love, compassion, and unity in the wake of the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including senior government officials.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, August 10, she reflected on the fragility of life:
“Death is a reminder to us, the living, about how transient life is. It is a big reminder to all of us that life is very transient and we can’t account for the next second of our life, so why must we live our lives as if we have control over the next minutes?
“It is a major lesson for us to focus on what matters in life: to love one another, let humanity lead, and show love, fellow feeling, and compassion to others, especially in moments like this.”
The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District, claiming the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; and three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the Z-9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, went “off the radar” shortly after departing Accra at 09:12 GMT. The aircraft was en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation when disaster struck. A search-and-rescue mission later confirmed that all eight onboard had died.
An inter-denominational state funeral for the victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square.
