Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has shared the deep sorrow being felt by President John Mahama following the tragic deaths of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, as well as six others in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, August 7, Ms Muslim expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their outpouring of support during this period of national mourning.

“I'd like to first of all say thank you to the people of Ghana, to all of you for the outpouring of love, of support, of sympathies that you have shared,” she said. “It has gone a long way in easing the hollowness in the hearts of the family, especially the spouses.”

Read also: Defence Minister, Environment Minister, 6 others confirmed dead in military helicopter crash

She noted that while some adult children of the victims are aware of the situation, “some of the younger children do not know what has happened as yet.”

Ms Muslim described the emotional impact on President Mahama, who she said was grieving the loss of some of his closest and most trusted allies.

“To the President of the Republic, who is completely heartbroken that some of his best and brightest and closest confidants have had to depart this world in such a devastatingly painful way.”

“But who are we to question the will of the Almighty? He burdens not a soul beyond his capacity,” she added.

Calling on the public to lift the President in prayer, she said, “What we would also seek from all of you is to continuously bear the President up in prayer. All of us as appointees will come and go, and yes, our lives are not assured as citizens and as humans.”

She urged the nation to remember the burden of leadership in such a moment of crisis.

“Bear the President in prayer, that he may not be confounded by the heaviness of the crown he wears. It is the will of God. We accept it unquestioningly, but we pray to the Almighty that He who has given us a heavy burden will grant all of us the strength to walk the path.”