By Daniel Bampoe
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on Ghanaians to rise above political differences and unite in grief following the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent citizens, including two cabinet ministers and senior military officers.
On Friday, August 8, Dr. Bawumia visited President John Dramani Mahama at his residence to personally extend condolences on behalf of himself, his wife Samira, the Bawumia family, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He described the incident as “one of the most painful tragedies in recent history” and stressed that the nation’s loss should be seen as collective, transcending partisan lines.
“This is a national tragedy,” he said. “This morning I visited three of the bereaved families, and I will continue tomorrow. I extend my deepest condolences to the government, His Excellency President Mahama, the bereaved families, and the Ghana Armed Forces. Ghana has lost gallant men in the service of our country.”
In his condolence rounds, Dr. Bawumia first met President Mahama before proceeding to visit the family of the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, to console them.
He then made a Ta’ziyat visit to the family of the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and MP for Tamale Central, as well as the family of the late Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
He also called on the family of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala of the Ghana Air Force, offering prayers for the repose of their souls.
Later in the day, Dr. Bawumia joined political leaders, military officials, clergy, diplomats, and members of the public at a solemn flower-laying ceremony at the Jubilee House forecourt.
The event honoured the service and sacrifice of the eight victims, who perished when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter went off radar before crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The deceased were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; MP for Tamale Central
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – National Vice Chairman of the NDC; former Kumasi Mayor
Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate; Deputy NADMO Director
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Ghana Air Force
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Ghana Air Force
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Ghana Air Force
Dr. Bawumia emphasised that the loss was not just governmental or political, but a deep national wound, urging Ghanaians to participate in the upcoming state funeral on August 15.
“The fallen men paid the ultimate price in the service of our motherland, leaving a shocked nation in pain. I know most of them personally, and their deaths are a personal loss to me,” he said.
“Let us come together as one people to mourn them, pray for their families, and draw strength from our unity as a nation” he added.
