Ghana Minister Ablakwa's Emotional Tribute at Helicopter Crash Memorial
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa broke down during a memorial service honoring eight victims of the tragic helicopter crash, including two cabinet ministers and military personnel.
Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa paying emotional tribute during wreath-laying ceremony at Jubilee House
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa displayed raw emotion during Friday's wreath-laying ceremony at the Jubilee House, honoring eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in a tragic military helicopter crash that shocked the nation.
High-Profile Casualties
The devastating incident claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers - Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah (Defence Minister) and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation). The ministers were part of a five-member delegation en route to an anti-illegal mining event in Obuasi when the fatal crash occurred in the Ashanti Region.
Government Response
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the deaths during a press conference at the Jubilee House. The government has declared three days of national mourning, with interim appointments being made to ensure continuity in governance.
Additional Victims
- Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed
- Former NDC Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye
- NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong
- Three Ghana Air Force personnel
Minister's Emotional Tribute
During the memorial service, Minister Ablakwa struggled to maintain composure while addressing the media. "This is a heart-wrenching loss," he stated, wiping away tears. "None of these dedicated public servants deserved such a tragic fate."
"To witness such a profound loss of leadership and expertise is devastating for our nation. These were individuals committed to Ghana's development." - Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Public Response
The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief across Ghana, with citizens and officials alike joining in national mourning. The tragedy highlights the risks faced by public servants in their line of duty and has prompted calls for enhanced aviation safety measures.
Edwin Gyimah
Ghanaian journalist, covering African affairs for the past 10 years.