Presidential hopeful and former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has extended his deepest condolences to the families of eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, August 6, 2025.

Describing the incident as a “devastating blow to the nation,” Agyepong paid tribute to the deceased, highlighting their selfless service and unwavering dedication to Ghana’s peace, governance, and development.

“This is a devastating blow to our nation. We have lost courageous public servants and gallant officers who dedicated their lives to the service of our country,” his statement read.

The crash claimed the lives of several high-ranking government officials and military personnel, including:

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate.

The three crew members of the military are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu and co-pilot; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, crew member.

The aircraft was on an official mission when it reportedly developed a technical fault and crashed in a forested area near Akrofuom in the Adansi South District. All eight occupants onboard perished.

Agyepong extended his sympathies to President John Dramani Mahama, the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, and all bereaved families.

“On behalf of myself, my family, and my campaign team, I express my heartfelt condolences to the President, H.E. John Mahama, the government, the bereaved families, and to the Ghanaian populace. I mourn with all of you in this time of great sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

He concluded his message by praying for the souls of the departed, saying:

“May the souls of our dear compatriots rest in perfect peace. Their sacrifice shall never be forgotten.”

The crash has plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the political and military spectrum.

National flags have been flown at half-mast, and plans are underway for a state-assisted burial to honour the fallen patriots.

Ghana Armed Forces prepares to receive remains of 8 killed in helicopter crash: