Security analyst and retired military officer, Colonel Festus Aboagye(Rtd), has called for restraint and responsible public discourse as investigations continue into the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including high-ranking public officials.
His comments come after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight gallant men on Wednesday, August 9, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The crash claimed the lives of key public servants, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohamme, NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former MP Samuel Aboagye.
The Ghana Air Force personnel crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, August 9, Col. Aboagye cautioned against the circulation of rumours and unverified claims surrounding the cause of the crash, emphasising the need for patience and respect for the deceased.
“The fact is that as of now, we don’t know what the cause of the crash was or what the causes were,” he stated.
“We know the manner of the accident: that it crashed. So until we have definitive evidence as to what brought the aircraft down, I think all of us, in good decency, must stop spreading all manner of misinformation.”
His comments come in response to growing speculation across social media platforms and some sections of the public, where unsubstantiated theories have begun to take root in the absence of official findings.
He stressed the importance of protecting the dignity of those who lost their lives, as well as maintaining public trust in the investigative process.
“This is a moment of mourning,” he said. “We owe it to the memory of those who have departed and to their families to refrain from politicising or sensationalising this tragedy. Let us wait for the facts.”
The Ghana Armed Forces, together with aviation authorities and other relevant agencies, have launched a full investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings have yet to be released.
Source: Emmanuel Tetteh
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