Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged Ghanaians to turn the grief over the August 6 military helicopter crash into a force for unity, sober reflection, and renewed dedication to national progress.
Speaking at the Evening of Reflection and Memorial for the eight victims at the Forecourt of the State House, Prof Opoku-Agyemang said no words could fully convey the depth of the loss.
“This is not a time for perfect words nor a time for the right thoughts, because there are none,” she said, noting that the departed had “served their nation and humanity well.”
She shared personal memories of her late colleagues, describing them as moments now deeply treasured, and acknowledged that the sorrow was shared not only by family, friends, and co-workers but also by strangers touched by the tragedy.
The Vice President cautioned against politicising the incident or rushing to assign blame, instead calling for “attention to detail and to facts” to help prevent similar disasters. She questioned whether “unhelpful barriers we consciously continue to build and maintain” were worth preserving, stressing that national unity must prevail in times of crisis.
“It is a time for wishing our colleagues, who have perished in the line of duty, peaceful rest. It is a time for praying for comfort for their families and for everyone,” she said. “It is also a time for the rest of us to renew our pledge to work in ways that truly advance our country, as they have tried to do.”
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Environment Minister and MP for Tamale Central, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; NDC National Vice Chairman, Dr Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Burial rites for the two Muslim victims — Dr Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed — will be held today, Sunday, August 10, with Janazah prayers at 2:00 p.m. at the Forecourt of the State House, followed by burial at the Military Cemetery.
An inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square.
Source: Adomonline.com
