From service to silence: Ghana mourns its fallen leaders
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, will forever be etched in Ghana’s memory as a day of profound loss — a day when eight distinguished Ghanaians set out to serve their country but never returned.
What began as a routine official assignment turned tragic when a Ghana Air Force Z9 military helicopter, carrying three crew members and five high-profile passengers, vanished shortly after taking off from Accra. Its destination was Obuasi, but somewhere over the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region, the aircraft lost radar contact — and with it, eight bright flames were extinguished.
The fallen
By 2:30 p.m., the gravity of the incident became painfully clear. In a solemn press briefing, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the worst: all eight onboard had perished. The deceased included:
• Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
• Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology and MP for Tamale Central
• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Food and Agriculture
• Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress and former Regional Minister
• Mr Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot
• Flying Officer Amaning Twum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Nation in mourning
President John Dramani Mahama, visibly shaken by the tragedy, suspended all public engagements and declared a three-day national mourning period, beginning Thursday, August 7. Flags across the country were lowered to half-mast as the government called on Ghanaians to pause, reflect, and unite in grief.
Nation in mourning
President John Dramani Mahama, visibly shaken by the tragedy, suspended all public engagements and declared a three-day national mourning period, beginning Thursday, August 7. Flags across the country were lowered to half-mast as the government called on Ghanaians to pause, reflect, and unite in grief.
The activities concluded on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with a national event dubbed “Evening of Reflections and Memorials”, to be held at the Forecourt of the State House from 5:00 p.m. The event will bring together families of the deceased, government officials, political figures, and members of the public.
“It is a time not just for mourning, but for deep national reflection,” a statement from the Presidency read. A task force has since been established to investigate the incident, amidst growing public calls for transparency and accountability.
Personal tragedies behind the public faces
Beyond the state protocol and official briefings lie raw, human stories — of homes broken, dreams cut short, and hearts shattered.
The only son who never returned
At the family home of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, a heavy silence hovered. The information was that he was his mother’s only child. In an emotional scene, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh personally escorted Dr Boamah’s elderly mother from Koforidua to Accra to receive medical support as the shock took its toll.
Mourners described him as not just a leader but a pillar and provider, especially to his extended family and political base.
“We’ve lost more than a minister. We’ve lost our son, our hope,” a family member said through tears.
Pilot’s final flight
The crash was particularly devastating for Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala’s family. Just two months ago, Peter had welcomed a baby in London — a new chapter he was eagerly writing as the lastborn of his family. His brother, Ishmael Anala, recounted their last conversation:
“He told me he was flying some top officials, and I should call him around 10:30 a.m. When I couldn’t reach him, I sensed something was wrong. Later, friends from the base started calling. That’s when I knew our world was about to change forever.”
To compound the heartbreak, Peter had just buried his elder brother — a Catholic priest — barely a month ago.
Groom for one month
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah was still basking in the glow of newlywed joy. Exactly a month before the crash, he had exchanged vows in a joyous ceremony now circulating across social media. In one video, he beamed with pride as he promised eternal love to his bride.
“He said he was going to build a life of laughter and loyalty. And now…,” a family friend said, unable to finish her sentence.
The footage now plays like a haunting prelude to a future that will never be.
Delayed farewell
The funerals of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna have been temporarily delayed. Although Islamic tradition prescribes burial within 24 hours, religious leaders and family members have agreed to wait for official reports and autopsy results out of respect for national procedure and the extraordinary nature of the loss.
“Islam makes allowances for special circumstances. We believe this is one of those times,” MP Alhassan Suhuyini said.
Home in wailing
At the residence of Dr Samuel Sarpong, black and red funeral cloths dominated the scene. The gates could barely contain the wave of mourners — friends, party faithful, and everyday citizens who came to honour a man they described as a public servant with a people’s heart. His wife collapsed upon receiving the news and has since remained inconsolable.
“He loved Kumasi. He loved Ghana. This loss is immeasurable,” a relative said.
Interim appointments
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, President John Dramani Mahama has announced interim ministerial appointments to maintain the smooth running of government affairs.
To ensure continuity, the President has directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on the additional role of Acting Minister of Defence. Similarly, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has been appointed as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice.
The writer's email: hadiza.quansah@gmail.com
