Member of Parliament (MP) for Akrofuom, Joseph Azumah, has stated that the tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District will go down as one of the saddest days of his life.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he said, “This will be the first or second saddest day of my life. It shows the fragility of human life and is a reminder that we should always be prepared. What happened to them can happen to anybody.”
The MP lamented that while Akrofuom is working hard to gain recognition, this was not the kind of event that should put the district’s name in the headlines.
“Akrofuom is still trying to get our name to the top and become popular, but this wasn’t how we wanted to write our names in the history books,” he said solemnly.
According to him, he was preparing to join the Akrofuom DCE and Obuasi East MP, Patrick Boakye Yiadom, for the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme for illegal miners (NAELP) launch when he heard about the crash.
“I went to change my clothes, and then I got the call. I was really shaken, but at that time, I didn’t even know the victims were on their way to the same programme in Obuasi,” he recalled.
Mr. Azumah said he received several calls from people checking on him because of a rumour that he was on board with Interior Minister and Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak.
“I was distressed and immediately called Muntaka. When he picked up, I thanked God. He was surprised and asked why. When I told him, he said he was supposed to be part of the trip, but an emergency came up,” he said.
He added, “It was at this point Muntaka told me that if the helicopter had indeed crashed, then it would be bad, and he informed me who the occupants were.”
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong.
Also among the dead were three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Meanwhile, the remains of the eight victims have been retrieved from the crash site and sent to South Africa for DNA testing to assist with formal identification.
All flags are flying at half-mast as the nation continues to mourn the victims, with books of condolence opened.
A state burial has been scheduled for August 15, 2025.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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