Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has paid a visit to the residence of President John Dramani Mahama to express his condolences following the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent government and military officials.
The tragic accident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, has plunged the nation into mourning. Among the deceased were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and several other senior officials.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, August 8, Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who was present during the visit, described the moment as one of solidarity and statesmanship.
“In a gesture of solidarity and statesmanship, former President John Agyekum Kufuor paid a visit to President John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, at their residence to express his condolences and support during this difficult time. I joined them and other government officials to receive him and thank him for his thoughtful gesture,” the Vice President wrote.
Mr. Kufuor, during the private meeting and subsequent media engagements, emphasized the hazards of public service, drawing from personal experience. He recalled a near-accident while serving as President in 2007 during a flight from Libya to Sudan, where his aircraft narrowly avoided disaster.
“What happened to those public servants is a painful reminder that those who serve the nation do so at great personal risk,” he noted.
He also called on the public and political class to rally behind President Mahama during this period of loss, stressing that national unity and compassion must transcend partisan lines in moments of crisis.
The fatal crash took place during a routine anti-illegal mining mission from Accra to Obuasi. Preliminary reports have cited possible mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions, although a full investigation is still underway.
The deceased have been officially identified as:
- Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
- Mr Samuel Aboagye, former Member of Parliament
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Their deaths have left a void in both the government and military leadership, prompting President Mahama to appoint Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as Acting Defence Minister and the Lands and Natural Resources Minister as Acting Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology.
A three-day national mourning period was declared from August 7 to 9, with flags flying at half-mast and memorial events scheduled across the country. Tributes continue to pour in from world leaders, Ghanaian citizens, and political figures across the spectrum.
Kufuor’s visit is being widely regarded as a powerful gesture of elder statesmanship, reinforcing the importance of unity, empathy, and mutual respect in navigating the nation’s darkest moments.
