More tributes continue to pour in from across the country for the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region on August 6.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has expressed empathy with the bereaved families, emphasising that they were not alone in this moment of divine trial.
He described the August 6, fatal crash as a national disaster of a collective grief, irrespective of our political, ethnic, and religious affiliations and, therefore, called for national resilience and unity in the face of this calamity.
The Chief Imam advised the government and the Military High Command not to despair because of the tragedy, noting that it should rather be an opportunity to increase investment in the qualitative and quantitative improvement of the flying squadron for maximum safety, security, and efficiency.
Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu further appealed to the media to be measured in the discussion of the incident to avoid the violation of cultural norms and professional ethics.
The National Chief Imam included a prayer for the nation for divine mercy on the departed souls.
The Federation of Muslim Councils (FMC), Ghana, said it was deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash that has claimed the lives of esteemed government officials and military personnel, resulting in a national tragedy of immense proportions.
“On behalf of Muslims in Ghana, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the President, Government of Ghana, and the bereaved families on this dark day.
“May Allah grant the deceased Jannat-al-Firdaus (Garden of Paradise) and give their families patience, fortitude, and solace during this difficult time. We pray that Allah comforts the bereaved families and friends, granting them strength and resilience. May the legacy of the deceased continue to inspire us all,” the statement added.
The Muslim Community of Adentan, in its tribute signed by Sheikh Mohammed Mutawakil Abubakari, Chief Imam – Adentan Municipality, stated that: “With profound sorrow and complete submission to the divine will of Allah (SWT), l, on behalf of the Muslim community of Adentan Municipality and in my capacity as Chief Imam, extend our deepest condolences to Your Excellency and the entire nation for the tragic loss of our eight distinguished compatriots.
“We mourn the passing of five eminent government Officials:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Alhaji Dr Mohammed Murtala Ibrahim; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; Dr Samuel Sarpong; Mr Samuel Aboagye
And three valiant officers of the Ghana Air Force: Squadron Leader, Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer, Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
“The Holy Quran consoles us: To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return (Quran 2:156).
“While we grieve their untimely departure, we take comfort in knowing that these patriots served our nation with dedication and honour.
“The late government officials contributed significantly to national development through their various portfolios, while the Air Force officers served with bravery and commitment to protecting our sovereignty. Their collective legacy will forever remain in our nation’s history.
“May Allah (SWT) grant their families, colleagues, and all Ghanaians the strength to bear this irreparable loss? We pray that Allah replaces their absence with continued guidance for our nation’s leadership.
“Your Excellency, please accept our sincere sympathies during this period of national mourning. The Muslim community stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and the entire nation.
“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji' un (Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return).
“Yours in sympathy and prayer,” the statement read.
Aldiaa Society – Ghana in their tribute also noted that: “With hearts full of sorrow and faith in God’s will, Aldiaa society in Ghana extends its deepest condolences to the people and leadership of Ghana on the tragic passing of the Honourable Minister of Defense, the Honourable Minister of Environment, and all those who lost their lives alongside them in the unfortunate plane crash.”
“We pray that God Almighty grants them His infinite mercy, accepts them among the righteous, and grants their families and the nation patience and strength in this difficult time. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement added.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in a statement signed by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, said: “It is with deep sorrow and profound Christian solidarity that we, the members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference received the tragic news of the military helicopter crash at Asikaman near Akrofuom, which claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians.”
Bishop Gyamfi indicated that the heartbreaking news reached them during their August Plenary Assembly at the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra, casting a long shadow over their deliberations and stirring them to communal prayer and reflection.
“These were men of proven dedication – public servants, politicians and gallant officers of the Ghana Armed Forces – who gave of themselves in service to the Republic, to its institutions, and to the people of this land. Their sudden and untimely departure is not only a blow to their families and loved ones but a grave loss to the nation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to their grieving families, to the various institutions and communities they so faithfully served, and to all citizens of Ghana who mourn this national tragedy.
“In moments such as this, we are reminded of the fragile and fleeting nature of human life, and the enduring value of service rooted in integrity, sacrifice and the common good.
“We commend the departed souls to the mercy of the Eternal Father, praying that He who is the Resurrection and the Life may grant them peace, and console all who bear the weight of their absence. May our beloved country, in this hour of collective grief, find unity, strength and hope.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their soul rest in peace. Amen,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference added.
Mobile telecom giant, MTN Ghana, mentioned that it was deeply saddened by the tragic news of the helicopter crash.
The Chief Executive of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, called on all citizens to honour the memories of those who have passed with dignity and respect “as we reflect on this loss, we encourage everyone to use their social media platforms to share messages of hope, unity, and compassion, as we navigate this difficult period together.’’
The Board and Management of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) underlined that it was deeply shaken and heartbroken by the catastrophic helicopter crash.
“To us at MIIF, words cannot adequately capture the profound grief that has engulfed our hearts and the entire nation. These were not merely public servants; they were fathers, husbands, mentors, and pillars of our democracy who dedicated their lives to the service of Mother Ghana.
‘’For instance, Dr Edward Omane Boamah’s unwavering commitment to national security will forever be etched in our memories. His vision for a secure and prosperous Ghana inspired countless young Ghanaians to serve their nation with distinction.
‘’Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed’s passionate advocacy for environmental protection and technological advancement touched the lives of millions.
‘’The tragic irony that these great men, who spent their lives protecting and serving Ghana, should perish while still in service to the nation, fills us with overwhelming sorrow. Their families have been robbed of beloved patriarchs, and Ghana has lost irreplaceable treasures of wisdom and experience.
‘’MIIF, managers of Ghana’s sovereign minerals fund, understand the weight of national service and the sacrifices it demands. These fallen heroes exemplified the very essence of patriotic duty, often placing the nation’s interests above their personal comfort and safety.
‘’We, therefore, extend our most heartfelt and deepest condolences to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, who has lost trusted advisors and dear friends. Our hearts go out to Her Excellency Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, the entire Government, the Chief of Defense Staff, and the resilient people of Ghana during these darkest moments.
‘’To the bereaved families, Ghana weeps with you, MIIF mourns with you, and we stand with you during these excruciating moments of grief and disbelief.
‘’May their souls rest in perfect and everlasting peace.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you all,’’ a statement by the Board and Management of the MIIF stated.
On its part, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) said: “Our heart is heavy with grief, and we stand in solemn solidarity with the nation in this moment of great national loss.
‘’The GJA extends deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved, especially their spouses and children; the President of the Republic and the Government of Ghana, and the Ghana Armed Forces, who are now contending with unimaginable pain and grief for their loss. We pray for God’s divine strength and comfort to envelop them during this incredibly difficult time.
‘’Following the tragedy, the National Executive has suspended all planned activities of the Association until further notice. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,’’ a message signed by the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) outlined that it was deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter accident that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which claimed eight precious lives, including two serving Ministers of State.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Government, and the people of Ghana during this period of profound grief.
“The PSGH stands in unwavering solidarity with the nation as we mourn the loss of these distinguished individuals who contributed significantly to shaping our country’s future. We pray that God grant their families strength, comfort, and peace in the face of this immense loss.
“As we reflect on this tragedy, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. In unity with the nation, the PSGH encourages all pharmacists and Ghanaians to fully participate in the official three-day national mourning period as declared by His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama, in honour of the departed souls.
“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may their memories inspire us to work together for a better and more resilient Ghana,” the statement signed by Pharm. Dr Samuel Kow Donkoh, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, said.
Adding to the list of tributes, the Board and Management of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) has also expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ghana, as well as to the bereaved families, following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several high-ranking and distinguished individuals on Wednesday, August 6.
In a press release signed by the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr., on behalf of the board and management, the university joined the nation in mourning the loss of these gallant individuals who died in line of duty.
“We join the nation in mourning the loss of these gallant individuals who died while on national duty,” the statement read.
“On behalf of the RMU and its Member States, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, we extend heartfelt sympathies to the families of the fallen heroes,” it added.
“May the memory of the departed continue to inspire unity, patriotism and a renewed sense of purpose among all citizens,” it further stated.
The Private Universities Founders Association (PUFA), Ghana, described the loss as not only for the affected families but also a national tragedy that has robbed our country of dedicated public servants who have devoted their lives to its progress.
“PUFA stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Ghana during this time of mourning. We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and for strength, comfort, and healing for their families and all who are affected by this devastating incident.
“May this tragedy remind us of the fragility of life and the essence of love, compassion and unity as a nation in times of sorrow, a statement signed by Dr Paul Fynn, President of PUFA, added.
BY TIMES REPORTERS