Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Akyempem Jantuah, has suggested a heroic arc in honour of the eight persons who lost their lives in the helicopter crash while on national duty.
According to her, the deceased were on a positive mission for the state. Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, had disclosed that the individuals were en route to Obuasi to launch the Cooperative Mining Initiative, aimed at promoting environmentally friendly mining practices in local communities.
Speaking on the BigIssue on TV3’s NewDay Thursday, August 7, 2025, Nana Yaa Jantuah said their duty was meant to avert a national canker – galamsey – which is taking a toll on the entire nation.
For that reason, the former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and current Presidential Staffer believes they deserve to be honoured for their service to the nation.
“I’ll suggest that we should honour them as heroes. Because they were going to fight one of the cankers that is killing us, the galamsey,” she stated.
Describing the incident as “a very painful situation”, Nana Yaa implored the President to grant the deceased the recognition that befits the noble cause for which they gave their lives.
“I think that H.E. Mahama should have a heroes arc with their bust so that everybody would know the people who died in the line of duty against galamsey,” she stated.
As part of honouring them, she also suggested that some state institutions, including streets, should be named after them, especially in areas where illegal mining practices are prevalent.
She emphasised, “I think we should also name some streets, government institutions, and schools after them, especially in the galamsey areas, as a sign that eight young people sacrificed their lives to combat galamsey,” reemphasising the need for them to “be treated as heroes.”
Her comments come on the back of the death of eight persons, including top government officials who were on board the military aircraft, Z-9 on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
In a solemn address Wednesday afternoon, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, announced that all national flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice in honour of those who perished in the crash.
The tragedy occurred in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region and has been described by government officials as a national catastrophe.
“I have the unpleasant duty, sadly, to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr. Debrah stated.
The crash resulted in the deaths of five prominent civilians and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces. Among the deceased are:
- Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
- Muniru Mohammed Lemunade, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chair of the National Democratic Congress
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate
The military personnel who also lost their lives have been named as:
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala
- Flying Officer Manim Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensa
In his statement, the Chief of Staff conveyed the deep sorrow of the President and the government.
“The President and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” Mr. Debrah said.
The directive to fly the national flag at half-mast reflects the gravity of the loss and the nation’s collective grief. No further details were provided on the cause of the crash.
The entire nation has been plunged nation into mourning, as Ghanaians grapple with the sudden loss of public servants who dedicated their lives to national service and development.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service has commenced investigations into the cause of the accident.
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