“Thank You for Your Sacrifice” – Vice President Naana Jane Pays Emotional Tribute to Helicopter Crash Victims

By Joylinda Laryea / 15 August, 2025

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang delivered a heartfelt tribute to the eight victims of the tragic August 6 military helicopter crash, praising their selflessness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to national service.

Speaking at the interdenominational state funeral held at Black Star Square on Friday, the Vice President reflected on her personal and professional experiences with some of the deceased, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.

“I thank each of you for your selflessness, sacrifice, commitment to duty, and your abiding belief in the ability of our country to be better for all of us,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “I wish you peaceful rest, my colleagues.”

She further described the fallen as patriots whose “legacies of humanness, loyalty, justice, dedication, determination, trust, and sheer hard work” will continue to inspire the nation.

The Vice President emphasized that even brief interactions with these public servants revealed their deep passion for Ghana’s progress and their clarity of purpose.

“Speaking with you, however briefly, revealed your firm decision to use your opportunities for their intended purpose: serving our country,” she noted.

The victims of the crash were en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme when their Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter went down at Adansi Akrofuom on August 6, 2025.

Those who perished included:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

• Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman

• Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

The state funeral, which drew dignitaries from across the political and military spectrum, was followed by the burial of six of the victims at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo. The other two were buried earlier on August 10 according to Islamic customs.

The ceremony was marked by solemnity, military honours, and unified grief, as the nation paid its final respects to eight individuals remembered not just for their positions, but for their character, courage, and commitment to a better Ghana.