The Ga Mantse, Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has urged Ghanaians to remain united and resolute in the face of national tragedy, following the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of senior government officials and military personnel.
Speaking to the press after laying a wreath in honour of the victims on Saturday August 8, the Ga Mantse called for solidarity with the country’s leadership and the bereaved families.
“Let’s all rally behind the president, behind the party, and behind the entire nation in this moment, as we mourn for the departed souls,” he said. “They were on the line of duty, serving the country, and this has happened to them. But our spirit as a nation will never be broken. We shall live. God bless our homeland Ghana.”
The traditional leader offered prayers for the mercy of God upon the departed and strength for their families.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed on Wednesday, August 6, that Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah was among those killed. Others on board included Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Ghana Armed Forces also named the crew members who perished: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
A three-day national mourning period is underway, with flags flying at half-mast and tributes pouring in from across Ghana’s political and social spectrum. Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing.
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