The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto, has described the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people on Wednesday, August 6, as a great loss for Mother Ghana.
Miss Houadjeto made this remark during a wreath-laying and candle-lighting ceremony on Thursday at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Jubilee House.
“For me, it’s devastating; it’s unbelievable. I mean, they are all good men; they are not villains, so it’s a big loss for Mother Ghana, it’s a big loss for the NDC party, and of course, I’m sympathetic towards their families. I pray to the Almighty God to keep them in His bosom,” she told JoyNews’ Maxwell Agbagba.
The helicopter Z-9 was en route to Obuasi for an official anti-illegal mining assignment when it reportedly went off the radar of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Among the victims were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Environment, Technology, and Innovation Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong; Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, as well as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Narrowing it to Dr. Boamah, who tragically died in the crash, she spoke fondly of her memories of him, stating it is simply unbelievable for her to accept.
“I call him brother because we’re both FEC members. Just after his vetting, he gave me an assignment to do, and after completing it, I called him. He gave me another assignment to do, and that was the last time I spoke to him, which was like a month ago,” she stated.
She also expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, with a special commiseration, noting that the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah is an only child.
“And I understand he is the only child, so I’m wondering how the family is holding up. I’m wondering what is happening to his mother right now. I’m wondering what is going on with the children and wife. I can’t comprehend it; it’s just unimaginable,” she noted.
Reflecting on the values these fallen heroes embodied, Ms. Houadjeto urged young people and politicians to take inspiration from the exemplary qualities of the fallen heroes, highlighting their patriotism, integrity, and selfless service.
“I would like to tell all the young people out there that the whole nation empathizes with him because of the good work he did. He was committed, he was honest, he responded to duty, he was proactive, and his integrity is spelled so high, and I believe that every young politician should emulate these people,” she urged.
Several individuals, organizations internally and externally, heads of state, and religious entities have extended their condolences to the families of the deceased, the government of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, and other affected institutions.
President John Dramani Mahama, during his first national address after the tragic incident, urged all to offer compassion to the bereaved families rather than score political points.
He further announced the recovery of the aircraft’s black box, which is expected to aid investigators in determining the cause of the accident.
With flags flying at half-mast, the tragedy stands as both a painful reminder of the lives lost and a rallying call for national unity in the face of adversity.
Source: Alfred Ayizoe
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