Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emmanuel Bombande, has said that the tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of 8 people should be a wake-up call for a new sense of national unity.
He says a bond of solidarity helps in handling such a situation.
“It dawned on me that when collectively we are hit by such tragic news, a bond of solidarity helps a lot to understand what has happened more than when we are alone.
“It is the new call for a new sense of national unity, that goes beyond just talking about unity to try to do things directly in our country?” he said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, August 16.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has thanked all Ghanaians and the international partners for the support during the helicopter crash that killed eight people, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Onane Boamah.
President Mahama said that he prays the funeral of the eight persons will bring an end to a grieving nation.
Reading his tribute during an interdenominational state funeral held on Friday, August 15, 2025, “I pray that this funeral will bring closure to a grieving nation and that the new dawn will break in which we can look forward with pride as Ghanaians to a prosperous nation. We pray that this will be the beginning as the Almighty God heals our land.”
President Mahama also announced that officers of the Ghana Armed Forces who died in the August 6 helicopter crash will receive posthumous promotions in their various fields.
The President also said the Chief of Defence Staff will oversee the ceremonial presentation of the posthumous promotions insignia to their families.
Squadron leader Peter Obafemi Anala has been promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is now promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, while Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah received promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant.
“Promotions in our Armed Forces are never given likel,y and posthumous promotions are the highest mark of respect for duty performed even until death.
“Accordingly, I have approved the following: Squadron leader Peter Obafemi Anala is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah is promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant,” the President stated.
The President said the posthumous promotions are not just symbolic gestures, but represent the rightful place these officers have earned in the country’s role to honour them.
President Mahama said the benefits due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks.
The President noted that the other victims who were civilians will be posthumously recognised at the next national mourners’ ceremony.
Eight people on the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter lost their lives when it crashed on August 6, 2025, at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. They were en route to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme.
The individuals who died in the accident were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
