Focus on helicopter crash victims’ legacies — Speaker of Parliament
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged Ghanaians to celebrate the lives and legacies of the national leaders who perished in last Wednesday’s military helicopter crash.
Focusing on the legacies of the deceased, he said, was a better way instead of dwelling on negativity that could deepen grief.
He made the call while addressing the families of the late Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Limuna Mohammed Muniru, during a visit to commiserate with them yesterday.
The Speaker led a parliamentary delegation that included the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga; the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin; the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; Chief Whips and other officials to the bereaved homes to offer sympathy and solidarity.
Blow
Mr Bagbin described the tragedy as a shattering blow to the nation, particularly for those in leadership who had mentored and worked closely with the victims.
Recounting his personal relationship with Dr Omane Boamah, Mr Bagbin revealed that he first met the late minister as a student when he (Bagbin) was Minority Leader, and encouraged him to join politics through youth mobilisation efforts within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said over the years, the two of them developed a close working relationship, often discussing national security concerns, including terrorism threats in the sub-region.
“In Geneva, where I went to the World Speakers Conference, I called him, discussed with him the security situation in the country. He's one of the ministers that I was very close to.
And we discussed briefly what was happening. And so to fly from Geneva to Boston, and the next day to have this shocking news, God truly gives, and God takes it,” he said.
Interconnectedness
Mr Bagbin emphasised the interconnectedness of society, saying that “what happens to one of us affects all of us,” and described the late ministers as “some of the best materials we have,” commending their intellect, depth of thought and commitment to service.
He expressed regret that humanity had “pressed the self-destruct button” through actions that disrupt the balance of nature and society, stressing the importance of prevention over post-mortem analysis.
“But what consoled us is the fact that the precious life that we have lost, they left a legacy.
Please, our sincere condolences. Let's eulogise them.
Let's celebrate their lives.
Don't let us focus on only the negativity to deepen the hurt people,” he said.
Assurance
Mr Bagbin assured the bereaved that Parliament stood firmly with them and would continue to keep in touch to offer support.
Extending condolences to the widows, children, and relatives, he expressed confidence that the late officials, both practising Catholics, were “by the right side of the Almighty God.”
He urged Ghanaians to give thanks to God even in moments of pain, for the life and contributions of the deceased to humanity.
“We will meet one day to continue the practice,” he said, encouraging the families to take comfort in faith and the knowledge that their loved ones served their country with distinction.
