Dr. Dominic Ayine, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others who perished in the military helicopter crash on August 6.
During a solemn flower-laying ceremony held at the Ceremonial Gardens of Jubilee House on Thursday, August 7, Dr. Ayine struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on the impact of losing three close friends in such a devastating manner. “I picked it up on social media. I couldn’t believe it. I made some calls, and it was a shocking revelation that my three colleagues had departed. It’s extremely difficult to talk about them. I will pass for now; I don’t want to break down in front of national television again,” he shared, clearly moved by the tragedy.
He continued, “It’s very difficult for me. When I tried speaking at Murtala’s place, I broke down; it’s traumatic. All three of them were very close to me; they were my very good friends. It’s extremely difficult to talk about them knowing that they have departed.”
The emotional ceremony was part of a three-day national mourning period declared by the government in honor of the victims of what is regarded as one of Ghana’s darkest moments in recent memory. Among the eight individuals who lost their lives in the crash were key figures whose contributions to the nation were significant:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence,
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central,
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator,
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC),
Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate,
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala,
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu,
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The flower-laying ceremony brought together President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, leadership of the ruling NDC, members of the security services, family members, and citizens. They all gathered in solidarity to honor the departed souls.
As the nation grieves, the government has announced that further details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course, assuring the public that the memory of these remarkable individuals will not be forgotten in this time of sorrow.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
