Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has reacted to the  Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter that crashed on Wednesday, August 7, at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region.

Dr. Bawumia described the tragic incident as painful while speaking at a solemn flower-laying ceremony in memory of the victims on Friday, August 8.

He called for unity while emphasizing that the opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), will give its best in all activities.

On Wednesday, August 7, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of 8 individuals who have passed away following a tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region.

The samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic incident have been transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.

The deceased are Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who is the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed—Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary candidate; Squadron leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Mensah.

Meanwhile, the burial of Muslim victims has been suspended until further notice, according to the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, on Thursday, August 7.

Burial for Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, was expected to be conducted on Thursday, August 7, as per Islamic tradition.

However, speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister explained that the recent development was due to the condition of the victims’ remains, adding that the government and families of the deceased are awaiting autopsy results and investigative clearance. According to him, a new date will be fixed after a conclusion has been made.

“The information earlier was that, because of Islamic tradition, the Muslims among them were to be buried today. I am sure those decisions were taken before the actual state of the remains was determined.

“When that was done, it was clear to all that it was going to be practically impossible to carry out any burial today. So, those who had to be communicated to were quickly informed last night, and arrangements were suspended until further notice, or until some examinations are done before new dates are communicated,” Suhuyini added.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter Z9, which took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

Hours later, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers. The news came as a shock to many, and several individuals could not hold back their tears. Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak broke down in tears as the Chief of Staff announced the death of the individuals at the Jubilee House.

Edward Bawa, former Member of Parliament for Bongo and current CEO and Managing Director of GOIL PLC who was at the residence of the late Murtala Mohammed, could not hold back his tears while engaging a journalist.

Also, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine broke down in tears at Hon. Murtala’s residence while engaging the media.

Meanwhile, the government has noted that details regarding the State Funeral and any additional arrangements will be communicated through official government channels.

As Ghana sets aside three days to mourn, it has called on members of the public to collectively mourn and reflect on the profound loss the country has experienced.

“We urge all citizens to observe the period of national mourning with dignity and respect," the Office of the Presidency noted.

As the nation mourns the eight gallant citizens, books of condolence will be opened simultaneously at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO, from Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August 2025.

The President has assured the bereaved families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.

He made this known after acknowledging that “as we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important.”

An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash, the president revealed. He further informed Ghanaians that “the flight data and cockpitvoice recorders have been retrieved.”

As the relevant authorities probe the circumstances of the death of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force, the president has called on all and sundry to stand united in this difficult times.

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.

To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy. May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served,” the president remarked.

According to President John Dramani Mahama, this tragedy represents a deep personal loss for him, as he shared close bonds with many of these individuals who died.

“Our nation is grieving. On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones. Know that our entire country mourns with you. We share your pain. Your loss is our loss—a loss of dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who relentlessly worked for a better Ghana,” he added.

Meanwhile, the samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 have been transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations (MoCDTI), in the spirit of solidarity, has entreated members of the general public to desist from circulating videos of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter crash, including photos of the charred remains of the deceased.

As the nation mourns, words of consolation have been shared by the international community. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the loss was not just Ghana’s but Africa’s. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan called the ministers “committed public servants” whose legacy should inspire future generations.

The African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina described the tragedy as “devastating.” The United Nations in Ghana, through Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury, mourned the loss as a “national wound” and pledged continued support for Ghana during its mourning period. Kenyan President William Ruto extended condolences and assured Ghana of Kenya’s prayers and solidarity.