By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – Some members of the public have taken to social media to express disbelief, sorrow, and shock following the tragic helicopter crash at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of eight prominent persons.
The crash, which occurred Wednesday morning, has plunged the nation into mourning as tributes continue to pour in across digital platforms.
Those confirmed dead in the crash include Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The others are Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary Candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
The group was en route to Obuasi to attend the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining, when the tragic incident occurred.
National Mourning and Reactions
Across social media, high-profile individuals and the public have shared heartfelt tributes.
Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, said: “Black Wednesday.”
Mr. Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency: “God of Mercy!!!”
Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations: “My heart is broken in ways words cannot begin to express.”
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, said in a media interview: “The President is emotionally down. The Vice President is leading a team to formally inform their families.”
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Pain. Unimaginable.”
Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Minister of Defence: “Terrible.”
Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, former Minister of Information:
“On this terrible day of national tragedy, my prayers go out to the families of our eight colleagues who have fallen in the line of duty.”
“It is so heartbreaking. For the Pope John community, Dr. Omane Boamah’s loss stings especially. May the good Lord keep their souls and comfort their families
Pope John Secondary School, alma mater of Dr Omane Boamah, posted: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Daasebre Dr. Omane Boamah.”
George Quaye, media personality: “Christ! No!”
Frema Adunyame, broadcaster: “Alhaji, we weren’t expecting this. Ah! What a way to go… Rest well, friend.”
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC): “Rest in Peace, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment.”
Mr Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa: “What a sad and devastating day.”
Expressions of grief also came from colleagues and the public:
Ms Josephine Asmah, Assistant PRO, Ministry of Works and Housing: “Not even a body to be laid in state, after all the struggles. Mo ndue oooo!!!”
Fame Derek Djisam, NDC supporter: “Dr Edward Omane Boamah, so you did all as Director of Elections to win elections only to leave us eight months in power?
Mr Karik Musah, social media activist: “These gallant fathers, uncles, and friends set out from their homes full of life this morning. And within just three hours, they were struck down in the prime of their lives.”
“A tragedy that has left us all reeling. Why? What are we really living for? This is unbearably painful.”
Mrs Selikem Acolatse-Akpaloo, broadcast journalist:
“Death has laid its icy hands on eight honourable men, working for God and Ghana. We pray for their families and the nation. Oh Lord! Show us Mercy. Romans 9:16.”
Beposo Hemaa Nana Amanfo, broadcast journalist: Ooohh Doctor, I’m heartbroken. Auntie Anema cannot hold her tears… ooohhh.”
From the public:
Steve Kubate Salifu: “Black Wednesday. What at all are we working hard for when things can change in a split second? May God accept their souls.”
Korkor Borteye: “It will get better from here. Hmmm… Ei!! Hmm…”
The loss of these leaders in the line of duty has left a vacuum and a nation in mourning.
As the country awaits official investigations and final funeral arrangements, the collective grief reflects a shared sense of loss and the fragility of life.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe