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0 The National Queen Mothers’ Platform (QMP)–Ghana has extended its deepest and heartfelt condolences to President John Mahama, the Government, and Ghanaians, following the heartbreaking loss of eight gallant citizens in the tragic military helicopter crash.
In a statement issued in Accra jointly signed by the President of QMP, Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area, Nana Amponsah Dokua III, and the Executive Secretary and Paramount Queen Mother of the Drobo Traditional Area, Nana Yaa Ansua, they described the incident as a “national catastrophe” and a devastating blow to Ghana’s human resource capital and development trajectory.
The crash, which sent shockwaves throughout the nation, claimed the lives of two sitting cabinet ministers—Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.
Also perished were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Co-ordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the NDC; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate for the Obuasi Constituency; and three brave personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces—Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
“This is not just a black day for the nation; it is a deep wound in the hearts of the bereaved families and a heavy blow to our national leadership. The loss is irreparable,” the statement said.
The Queen Mothers offered prayers for strength, comfort, and divine guidance for President Mahama, the affected families, and the entire nation during this profoundly sorrowful period. They expressed hope that both the Almighty God and Allah would grant them the resilience to endure and heal.
The QMP-Ghana also commended the swift response of the government in launching investigations into the cause of the tragic incident. They expressed optimism that the findings would lead to decisive reforms and measures that serve the national interest and transcend political lines.
In a strong moral appeal, the Queen Mothers condemned the widespread circulation of gruesome images of the deceased on social media, describing such acts as grossly insensitive and a violation of Ghanaian cultural values and traditions. “Such disrespectful behaviour must cease immediately. Our customs teach us to honour the dead with dignity,” the statement noted.
In honour of the eight fallen heroes, QMP-Ghana passionately called on President Mahama to consider erecting a national memorial monument in Obuasi—at the site of the tragedy—to immortalize the sacrifices made by these illustrious sons of the land in the relentless fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
“These brave souls died in the line of duty, committed to safeguarding our lands and future generations from the scourge of illegal mining. Their sacrifice must not be in vain,” the statement concluded.
The National Queen Mothers’ Platform–Ghana reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to national development and pledged to stand with the government and people of Ghana in mourning, reflection, and action toward a better, safer, and more sustainable future.
