Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accompanied by senior New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials, visited President John Dramani Mahama at his private residence in Accra on Saturday, August 9, 2025, to extend condolences following the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6 that claimed eight lives.
The delegation, which included former ministers Henry Quartey, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and Dominic Nitiwul, expressed solidarity with Mahama and the nation, describing the incident as a profound national tragedy.
The Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter, en route from Accra to Obuasi for the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, crashed in the Adansi-Akrofuom District, killing key figures including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, former MP Samuel Aboagye, and crew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Dr. Bawumia also visited the family of Dr. Omane Boamah to offer sympathies, with posts on X praising his statesmanship.
Today, August 10, 2025, Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed will be laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Accra, following Janazah prayers at the State House Forecourt, in line with Islamic customs. Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio visited on August 8 to sign a book of condolence, while Dr. Pet-Paul Wepeba of the Ghana Academy of Forensic Sciences called for better public education on evidence preservation after villagers mishandled crash site debris.
The crash has intensified demands to combat illegal mining (galamsey), with Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng urging action against influential backers. In a separate development, President Mahama fulfilled a campaign promise by delivering ten fully-furnished churches to the Assemblies of God in northern Ghana, though some criticized his stance on religious projects. Meanwhile, Nigerian singer Mr. Eazi and Temi Otedola wed in Iceland, offering a moment of celebration amid Ghana’s grief.
