Helicopter crash: We've lost good people who should've been around to see the success of the second NDC — Ato Ahwoi Mourns

Ato Ahwoi, a founding member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed profound grief over the deaths of eight people in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of two Cabinet ministers and several military personnel.

The tragedy, which struck in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, took the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, including members of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Speaking to journalists at a flower-laying ceremony in honour of the victims on Friday, August 8, Ahwoi described the incident as “unfortunate.” “It’s unfortunate that he has to leave us so soon to wherever he’s going. But we will all be there one day,” he said, referring to Dr. Omane Boamah.

Ahwoi recalled playing a key role in convincing the late Defence Minister to leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and join the NDC. “By talking to him and convincing him. Telling him that it was a better party to be in than whichever party he was in already,” he noted.

He lamented the loss of loyal and capable individuals who could have played a significant role in shaping the future of the NDC. “We have lost good people who should have been around to see the success of the second NDC,” he stated.

The ceremony formed part of nationwide mourning activities leading up to the state burial scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025.

The victims of the crash were: 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, NDC; Samuel Aboagye – former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.