Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has said that President John Dramani Mahama is deeply broken by the helicopter disaster that claimed 8 lives.
“The President is deeply broken by this disaster,” she said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday August 9.
She further thanked the media for how the news was covered.
“The government appreciates the media for the coverage so far, but we beg that the media be guided by the moral standards of the profession,” she said.
President John Dramani Mahama earlier cautioned in relation to the fatal crash of the military helicopter that killed Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and others, that this is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring.
President Mahama stated that it is a time for strength, empathy, and the enduring Ghanaian spirit that stands tall even when all else has failed.
Addressing the nation on Thursday, August 7, he said:
“Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families. This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else has failed. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost. To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the ministries and departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy.”
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced on Wednesday, August 6, that Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah was among those who died in the crash. Also on board were Minister for Environment Murtala Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, Muniru Mohammed (Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator), and Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament and Vice Chairman of the NDC.
The crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed in a statement that the helicopter, which took off from Accra and was headed to Obuasi, went off the radar before crashing on Wednesday, August 6.
Eyewitnesses told Onua TV that the aircraft burned beyond recognition.
