National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has revealed that he was originally meant to be aboard the military helicopter that crashed and killed eight people.
However, due to a last-minute change of plans, he delegated his Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, to replace him.
General Mosquito, as he is popularly known, revealed this while addressing a gathering as the nation continues to mourn the deceased.
“Allah does what he wants. I was supposed to be on the flight, but I asked my vice chairman, Dr. Sarpong, to represent the party, and he agreed,” he recounted.
Reflecting on the tragedy, he urged people to trust in divine will, noting that no one can predict or alter fate.
“In human reasoning, you might think that if I hadn’t sent Sarpong, he would still be alive. But who knows? If it was his time, something else could have happened, even in Accra. We don’t question what Allah has ordained; in all things, we give thanks,” he said.
He added that perhaps the disaster prevented an even worse outcome, offering a perspective that has comforted some of those grieving.
This disclosure adds to the growing list of people, including President John Mahama and Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, who had initially been expected to participate in the event.
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi District of the Ashanti Region.
The occupants were killed after the military Z-9 helicopter caught fire and burned beyond recognition.
The victims included Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong; NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash to determine its cause.
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