UNDP plants trees in honour of 8 fallen heroes

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ghana, has held a tree planting ceremony in honour of the eight gallant men who lost their lives in the helicopter crash on August 6 at Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region.

Three trees were planted - one in honour of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, another in the name of Dr Edward Omane-Boamah, and the last one was done in the name of the six other victims - acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Samuel Sarpong, the former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The event was meant to continuously remember the qualities of diligence, faithfulness and confidence exhibited, especially by Dr Mohammed and Dr Omane-Boamah, in their line of work.

Solemnity

The solemn ceremony, held at the offices of the UNDP in Accra on Friday, begun with solidarity messages, tree planting exercise and concluded with commemorative photos of participants near the planted trees.

It brought together leadership of the UNDP and their sister organisations, representatives from the presidency, government and representatives from families of the deceased.

Notable among the attendees were UNDP Resident Representative,  Mr Niloy Banerjee, and his Deputy,  Shaima Hussein, Head of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, Lihong Sheng, National Security Adviser, Office of the President, Mr Prosper Bani, and the Environmental Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Peter Dery.

Solidarity Messages

Sharing fond memories of the two leaders, Mr Niloy Banerjee said it had been difficult for him to process the incident, considering the close relationship that existed between him and them.

He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed and reflected on their legacy.

“Today, as we plant these trees, we remember lives cut short in service to the nation.

These trees will grow as living memorials, symbolising hope, resilience and the enduring contributions of these heroes to Ghana’s progress.

"I know Dr Murtala personally. He was completely modest. I have very fond memories of him and will miss him," Mr  Banerjee said.

Gratitude

Mr Bani expressed gratitude to the UNDP leadership for organising the event.

He spoke about Dr Omane-Boamah and Murtala, both of whom served in President Mahama’s first administration.

He described Dr Omane-Boamah as a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes contributor who handled much of the documentation and approached politics with the precision of his medical background. 

He also described Dr Murtala, on the other hand, as persistent in achieving results.

Mr Bani praised both men as intelligent, confident and well-read.

Contemporaries

A Director at MEST, Dr Peter Dery, expressed difficulty in finding the right words to describe the former ministers, noting that both of them were longtime contemporaries he knew well before their political careers.

He expressed appreciation to the UNDP for honouring the gallant heroes who had sacrificed for the nation.