Emotional tributes have been read for all victims of the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight (8) national officers, including two cabinet ministers and three (3) Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) men.
The eight (8), were on national assignment to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, to launch an initiative to tackle illegal mining known as galamesy, when the helicopter they were on board crashed in a forest.
Two of the victims namely Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tamale Central, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and a Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Lamuna, were last week buried according to Islamic teachings.
At a state funeral and pre-burial service at the Back Star Square on Friday August 15 in Accra, various institutions where the victims worked until their tragic demises, took turns to read touching tributes in honour of the departed gallant officials.
First to read the tribute was the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) where Samuel Aboagye worked as one of it deputy Director General.
The former parliamentary candidate for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Obuasi East constituency, the Organisation recalled assumed office on February 24, 2025 and even though his life with the institution was brief, his leadership qualities were felt by all.
The tribute described him as an awesome personality who respected and cherished everyone he encountered. Aboagye, it noted, worked to the best of his ability and with dedication and enthusiasm.
“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life. A life that shone brightly even though brief. His story is not one of tragedy alone but of honour, service for humanity”, the tribute ended. Rest well Samuel Aboagye, your smile and humble spirit will remain in our hearts forever. Fare thee well Sammy.
The Ministry of Defense in their tribute to the late Minister, Edward Kofi Omane Boamah recalled fondly, that the physician took office on January 30 and was unwavering in his commitment and agenda to modernize the army.
It described him as an “exceptional” and a “visionary leader” asserting that “the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah’s tragic passing alongside seven others in the helicopter crash of 6 August 2025 has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of Ghanaians, the Ghana Armed Forces and the entire Ministry of Defense”.
It said although he served briefly as minister, his tenure was marked with “transformative leadership, innovation and a firm commitment to excellence. His vision was to have a modernized expanded GAF, responsive to the needs of the country with highly motivated and happier troops as well as committed civil staff for nation building. This was not just a statement but a mission he pursued with passion hence retooling GAF and ensuring the welfare of personnel”.
As part of President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda, Dr Omane Boamah they indicated championed his side of the task by making it his agenda to revamp and revitalize the Defense Industries Holding Company Limited (GIHOC) and envisioned to expand it into Defense Industrial Development Cooperation with involvement of the private.
He had also plans and dream of making the struggling state entity GIHOC become a leader of Ghana’s industrial revolution and reducing Ghana’s over reliance on imports.
He had also championed initiatives by government such as the Food Ghana Programme, 24-Hour Economy and the fight against illegal mining, demonstrating his deep national progress.
He had also directed the army to engage in national farming especially government’s poultry farm programme to reduce food expenditure. With his background as a media doctor, Dr Omane Boamah having served as a practitioner at the 37 Military Hospital in the past, brought his expertise to bare to the Armed Forces.
“As we mourn is passing, we take solace in the indelible mark he left on the Defense architecture and the lives he touched he was a good man with a kind heart. A leader we will greatly miss to his family, the Ghana Armed Forces and Ghana at heart. May his soul and the souls of the 7 others who perished with you rest in perfect peace. Fare well, Honourable Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah. Your service was exemplary, your vision transformative and your memory internal”, it ended.
The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology after taking it turn said the helicopter crash has robbed the sector of a leader, a development enthusiast and a father.
It is said the late Minister who joined the ministry in February just like his colleague late Defense Minister, had vision to build a robust sustainable environmental management science and technology ecosystem.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tamale Central was also a passionate advocate for sustainable environmental development science and technology and that his aspiration was for a greener future.
Describing him as a remarkable statesman, the tribute emphasized the late minister’s initiative for ‘One Child One Tree’ programme which was to inculcate in the general public especially children the habit of planting trees as a moral obligation.
“Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was more than a minister. He was a great mentor whose influence extended beyond his official duties. He led and inspired, he operated an open door policy, receiving from high ranking officials to ordinary citizens with the same warmth and respect.
He will often say with that charming smile and I quote “I don’t have a door”. His demise is a tremendous loss to MEST to Ghana and African continent particularly in the area of environment science and technology leadership. As we mourn this irreplaceable loss we must honour Dr Muhammed’s memory by continuing the work he began his vision for a more sustainable technological advanced Ghana must not perish with him.
We owe it to his memory and to the seven other souls who perished alongside to carry forward the programmes and initiatives he championed”.
A tribute from the National Security Secretariat in memory of Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna said the institution is saddened by the death of the former Food and Agriculture Minister, who was appointed few months ago.
The Secretariat said it was yet to “come to terms with this tragedy” indicating that the vacuum created by the loss will be etched in the country’s history.
“Indeed, we at the Secretariat are yet to come to terms with this tragedy. The vacuum created by the loss will forever be etched in Ghana’s history. The individual achievements and contributions to national development are visibly compelling and exemplary.”
“The Secretariat remains inspired by the legacy of humility, dedication, and service of Mohammed Muniru Limuna, the late Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, and commits to carry on with his quest for a safer, just, and resilient Ghana. His time with us was very brief, but his vision will endure for years to come.”
The tribute also honoured all eight crash victims as patriots who served Ghana to the very end.
“Today, we are very clear in our minds that he and the seven other heroes served Ghana to the end. Undoubtedly, though no longer with us, we are assured that their work has and will contribute to the President’s drive to enhance national security and the overall reset agenda of Ghana.
This morning, our prayer is that the Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, grant their souls peace and a restful place in eternity. We wish the families peace, comfort, and true grace in these difficult times. Fare thee well, our eight heroes.”
The NDC in it tribute to its late national vice chairperson Samuel Sarpong said the founding member of the party in the Ashanti Region, where earlier under late President John Mills, was appointed Mayor of Kumasi and subsequently elevated by President John Mahama in his first term as regional minister.
The tribute read by general secretary Fifi Kwetey said Dr Sarpong, a former police officer and he served in many capacities and treated everyone he came across with respect without minding their political affiliation, creed, colour.
The former parliamentary candidate for the NDC in Nhyieso constituency, the tribute said his humility endeared him to the party’s grassroots and all national leaders adding that he was calm, dependable and meticulous in all his dealings
“He was a leader who believed in service above self—a quality rooted in his background as a police officer.
The NDC has lost more than a leader. It has lost a pillar of integrity, a strategist, and a unifier, whose wisdom and courage was invaluable to our course. His absence leaves a collective void in our struggles and the hearts of all who knew him”, Fifi Kwetey added.
There was a joint tribute for the Defence Minister and the three serving officers—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah and Flying Officer Malaen Twum-Ampadu.
Reading the tribute on behalf of the Forces, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lt. Gen. Oppong-Peprah, said even though his tenure was short lived, the minister his leadership was “transformative,” marked by innovation, merit-based recruitment, retooling of the Armed Forces, bridging the accommodation deficit, revitalising the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited, and prioritising the welfare and healthcare of troops and veterans.
“He was not just a boss or leader, he was a role model and mentor,” Oppong-Peprah said, recalling his grace, depth of thought, and ability to inspire teamwork and shared purpose.
Squadron Leader Anala, who was commissioned in 2014, was praised for his advanced piloting skills, technical expertise, and mentorship that strengthened the Air Force’s combat readiness.
Flying Officer Ampadu, commissioned in 2021 after training at the Royal Air Force Academy, was lauded for his precision, adaptability, and tactical understanding, qualities that made him a clear prospect for future command.
Sergeant Mensah, an aircraft technician enlisted in 2011, was recognised for his engineering expertise, adherence to airworthiness standards, and mentorship of junior technicians, ensuring the operational readiness of the Z-9 helicopter fleet.
“To the bereaved families, I extend my deepest condolences. As the bugle sounds and the night holds its silence, we salute them — brave men who served with pride and fell with honour.
Their skills and dedication will continue to influence our training, maintenance, and operational doctrines for years to come,” the CDS said.
By Gifty Boateng