BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has called on the media to approach their coverage of the recent Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter crash with sensitivity and empathy, particularly when reporting on the bereaved families.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, claimed the lives of eight prominent individuals, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Prioritizing Sensitivity Over Speed
Sarkodie urged journalists to prioritize sensitivity over speed, cautioning against rushing to be the first to report news without consideration for those affected.
“Wanting to be the first to get exclusives all in the name of content can make you inhumane… Be human first,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
This appeal comes at a time when the nation is still mourning the loss of the eight individuals.
Nation in Mourning
The helicopter crash has thrown the nation into mourning, with President John Dramani Mahama declaring three days of mourning and canceling all his scheduled events for the rest of last week.
The government has also instructed that the national flag must fly at half-mast in recognition of the national loss.
A programme of events has been scheduled to honour the memory of the deceased, including a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Jubilee House.
