A somber air engulfed the capital on Friday morning as government officials, security personnel, and citizens gathered for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the eight individuals who perished in Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash near Obuasi.
Among those visibly moved was the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who broke down in tears while laying a wreath on behalf of the Government of Ghana. The emotional moment, captured on live television, has since drawn widespread sympathy across the nation.
The ceremony, held at the forecourt of the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters in Accra, was organized to honor the memory of the late Minister for Defense, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former Member of Parliament, Samuel Aboagye; and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Sarpong.
Also remembered were the three gallant crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—all of whom died while serving the nation.
As Mr. George stepped forward to lay his wreath, his voice trembled and his composure faltered. A few seconds later, overcome with grief, he covered his face and wept. Fellow dignitaries rushed to comfort him as he stood by the floral tribute bearing the Ghana flag.
Speaking briefly after regaining composure, Sam George paid tribute to the late Defense Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, describing him as a “mentor, friend, and patriot whose legacy of dedication and courage will never be forgotten.”
“This is not just a personal loss—it is a national tragedy,” Mr. George said. “We have lost patriots whose contributions to our democracy and national security were immeasurable. Their deaths leave a void that will not be easily filled.”
The atmosphere throughout the event was heavy with emotion. A military band played solemn hymns as wreaths were laid by various state institutions, party representatives, and bereaved families. A 21-gun salute concluded the ceremony, echoing through the city as a final gesture of honor to the fallen.
Among those in attendance were President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, former presidents, high-ranking military officials, and traditional leaders from across the country.
President Akufo-Addo, in his address, vowed that a full investigation into the crash would be conducted and made public. “The nation grieves, but we shall also seek answers,” he stated. “We owe it to their memory to ensure no such tragedy repeats.”
The crash, which occurred on August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, has prompted a nationwide outpouring of grief. The Z-9 military helicopter reportedly went down while en route from Accra to Obuasi, under still unclear circumstances.
An investigative board comprising military aviation experts and civilian air accident specialists has been formed to probe the incident. Preliminary findings are expected within 30 days, according to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces.
In the meantime, the government has declared a one-week period of national mourning, during which all flags will be flown at half-mast.
As the nation continues to grapple with this profound loss, Friday’s wreath-laying ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the humanity behind the uniforms and titles—the fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who have now become heroes of the Republic.
Source: Trendz Gh
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