A Near Miss: National Chairman of NDC Survives Helicopter Crash
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), narrowly escaped a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals. The incident occurred on August 6 in the Adansi area, where a helicopter crashed during a flight from Accra to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme.
According to Nketiah, he was initially scheduled to be on the flight. However, a last-minute change of plans saw former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Samuel Sarpong take his place. Tragically, Sarpong was among those who perished in the crash. Nketiah shared his account while expressing condolences to one of the affected families, stating, “Allah does what he wants.” He explained that he had directed his vice chairman to attend the event in his stead, a decision that ultimately cost Sarpong his life.
The crash left a profound impact on the NDC, with Nketiah describing Sarpong’s actions as a final act of selfless service to the party and the nation. He urged the bereaved families to find solace in their faith, emphasizing the unpredictability of life.
Details of the Crash
Eyewitnesses at the crash site reported that the helicopter lost its balance after colliding with a tree and a mountain before crashing into a dense forest in Adansi Akrofum. Another witness told the BBC that the helicopter was flying at an unusually low altitude and that the weather conditions were poor. They described hearing the sound of the helicopter passing by, followed by a loud bang.
The helicopter, a Z-9 model, was carrying several high-ranking officials, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Both were killed in the crash. The aircraft was en route to Obuasi for a state event when it met with disaster.
Victims of the Tragedy
In addition to the two ministers, three other civilians lost their lives in the crash. They included Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru and former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye. Among the military personnel who died were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The bodies of the deceased were retrieved and transported to Accra late on August 6. Samples of the remains have been sent to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in the identification process.
Replacements for Fallen Ministers
In the wake of the tragedy, President John Mahama announced the appointment of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as acting Defence Minister and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as the temporary overseer of the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio. The presidency stated that the respective Finance and Lands and Natural Resources Ministers would assume these additional duties, although no timeline was provided for filling the two positions permanently.
The incident has left a deep void within the government and the NDC, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. As the nation mourns, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost and ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten.