The Minority in Parliament is calling for a national reflection on the safety and welfare of public servants following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives in Adansi Sikaman, Ashanti Region.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of one of the deceased on Friday, August 8, 2025, the minority said the tragedy underscores the risks public servants take in the line of duty.

Speaking to GhanaWeb, the Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei lamented the nature of the tragedy, highlighting the emotional pain it brings.

She said the victims including high-ranking government officials and military personnel were on official assignment when the incident occurred. This she said has greatly affected the country.

"The kind of duty they are performing for the state is one that you can be sent at any time and for which you have to devise the right means to get there at the right time. It could have happened to any of us because we have to perform a line duty. And that's exactly what they were doing. And look at the kind of tragedy that they find themselves in. What is even agonising is the fact that you begin to wonder what happened," he bemoaned.

She also expressed the pain and empathy left in the hearts of many following the death of these gallant men.

"How did they feel? Were they dead before they started burning? These agonising periods is something that we always focus on when we are given the opportunity. So it's a very painful thing that these eight people were performing their public duties. So we feel equally bereaved, equally sensitive to what has happened to us as a nation," she said.

The other victims of the crash were Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chair of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

President John Dramani Mahama has since announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra to honour the eight individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

SP/MA