Ghana continues to receive an outpouring of messages from the international community commiserating with the nation over the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of senior government officials and military officers.
The Ghana Air Force helicopter was carrying eight prominent figures when it went down, killing Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of
Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister; and Mr Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East.
The crash also claimed the lives of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, described as one of the Ghana Air Force’s brightest young pilots; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The incident has plunged the nation into mourning, prompting condolences from across the globe.
On Tuesday, members of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana signed a Book of Condolence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has been opened from August 12 to 14, 2025, in honour of the victims of the August 6 helicopter crash.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the tragedy had left him and many others “petrified and traumatised,” describing Dr Omane Boamah as a brother and trusted confidant.
“This has been a difficult period for us – devastating, traumatising, depressing. We are all petrified; we are shattered. I wish to extend my deepest commiserations to the children, spouses, families, and loved ones of the victims, as well as to the President, the Vice President, the Government, and the people of Ghana,” he said in a media interview.
Mr Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, was among the envoys to sign the book, conveying “the deepest condolences of the Government and people of the United States at this time of great sorrow,” and describing the deceased as heroes dedicated to the highest calling – service to their country and people.
“We know that the pain and grief of their loss will not diminish soon, but please treasure the memories of your loved ones and colleagues, and always be proud of the service they rendered to their nation until the very end,” he said.
Mr Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, called the incident “tragic and deeply saddening.”
He expressed hope that the Ghanaian people would regain their strength after such a loss and reaffirmed Denmark’s longstanding friendship with Ghana on behalf of the Danish Government and people.
Mr Sergei Berdnikov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ghana, said the tragedy would strengthen Ghana’s unity and resilience, affirming that “The Russian Federation commiserates with Ghana for the great loss.”
Mr Daniel Kottut, Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya to Ghana, conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of Kenya, including President William Ruto, to the Government and people of Ghana, describing the victims as fallen heroes who died in the line of duty.
He called the news heartbreaking and offered prayers for the bereaved families, expressing hope that God would fill the void left by the deceased.
Mr Albert Mateyo Chifita, Deputy High Commissioner of Zambia to Ghana, described the tragedy as a painful loss to both nations, recalling the historic bonds between President Kenneth Kaunda and President Kwame Nkrumah in the struggle for independence.
“Both countries face similar challenges, and the problems of Ghana are our problems. To lose ministers is not an easy thing, but we leave these matters in the hands of God,” he said, while extending Zambia’s heartfelt condolences.
Matěj Denk, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Czech to Ghana, conveyed condolences on behalf of the Czech Government and people, reaffirming the long-standing collaboration between the two countries.
He said the Czech Republic mourned with Ghana in this difficult moment, recalling close engagements with Dr Edward Omane-Boamah and Dr Murtala Mohammed during the visit of Czech President Petr Pavel to Ghana, when the two ministers personally interacted with the President.
Mr Denk noted that President Pavel has sent his personal condolences, adding that the Czech people were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the eight citizens.
Ms Anne Kariuki, Acting Representative of UNICEF Ghana, expressed sympathy to the Government and people of Ghana, pledging UNICEF’s solidarity during the difficult time.
Ms Isabel Ibarra, representing the Embassy of Spain, conveyed Spain’s condolences, and described the tragedy as a loss shared by friends and partners of Ghana.
Mr Syed Nauzer Idid, Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Malaysia, extended condolences on behalf of the Malaysian Government and people, expressing sympathy to the families of the victims and hoping that Ghana’s unity during this period would help the nation overcome the grief.
Mr Abdalafatah A. K. Alsattari, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ghana, said his staff wept when the news broke, and conveyed the condolences of the Palestinian Government and people, including President Mahmoud Abbas.
He said Palestine, in Gaza and the West Bank, stood firmly with Ghana during the mourning period.
Ms Rita Odoom, Administrative Executive at the Consulate of the Republic of Seychelles, expressed the condolences of Seychelles to Ghana and the bereaved families, affirming solidarity with the nation.
Mr Paulino Choty, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of South Sudan, extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of South Sudan, describing the incident as a tragic loss and affirming his country’s support for the bereaved families.
Thomas Mbomba, a former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who signed the book of condolence, described the deaths of the eight distinguished statesmen as a devastating loss, noting that he looked up to Dr Edward Omane-Boamah and Dr Murtala Mohammed.
Mr Mbomba extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the Government of Ghana, emphasising the significant contributions the late statesmen made to national development.
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