President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to transform their grief into renewed determination to build the nation, as the country concludes three days of national mourning for the eight victims of the helicopter crash.
Speaking at an evening of reflections and a memorial service on Saturday, August 9, he urged citizens to “move from grieving to accepting our loss,” emphasising that the most fitting tribute to the fallen was to carry forward their vision of a united and prosperous Ghana.
“Let us commit ourselves to working tirelessly, rising above our differences, and directing our energies towards the monumental task of national development.
“They served Ghana with their last breath, and it is our sacred duty to continue that service to the Ghana they envisioned — a Ghana of opportunity, justice, and prosperity for all,” he said.
The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District on August 6, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice-Chairman, Dr Samuel Sarpong.
Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also perished when the Z-9 helicopter they were travelling in lost radar contact while en route to Obuasi.
The remains of all eight victims have been positively identified following DNA analysis in South Africa. Two of them — Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed — are scheduled to be buried on Sunday, 10 August.
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