The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) says it is “absolutely devastated” by the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight officials, including five high-ranking government appointees and three members of the Ghana Air Force, on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi District.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, the GJA extended its “deepest and heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved families, the President of the Republic, the Government of Ghana, and the Ghana Armed Forces.

“Our heart is heavy with grief, and we stand in solemn solidarity with the nation in this moment of great national loss,” the association stated.

“We pray for God’s divine strength and comfort to envelop them during this incredibly difficult time.”

The GJA noted that the eight officials who perished were “gallant servants of the nation” and were on a mission to tackle illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, when the crash occurred.

“That is why even in this moment of downheartedness, we need to extol their virtues and dedication to the ideals of integrity, service and progress of Mother Ghana,” the statement said.

The association also reflected on its professional relationship with two of the deceased.

“The GJA particularly recalls the cordial relations the association had with Dr Edward Omane-Boamah during his tenure as Minister for Communications and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed during his tenure as Deputy Minister of Information in the first Mahama administration.”

In addition to offering sympathy, the GJA commended the swift efforts of all emergency responders and security agencies who worked to retrieve the bodies from the crash site.

“We take this opportunity to highly commend security, emergency and hospital officials, as well as all those who worked tirelessly to recover the remains of the deceased from the wreckage and transport them to the mortuary.”

Media Urged to Exercise Responsibility

As the nation grieves, the GJA called on journalists and media houses to be ethical and sensitive in how they report on the tragedy.

It particularly cautioned against the circulation of graphic images from the crash site.

“We entreat media practitioners across all platforms, including traditional and new media, to be ethical, circumspect and sensitive in their reportage,” the statement noted.

“We must honour the memory of the departed by treating this incident with the dignity and respect the deceased deserve.

In that regard, we specifically call on all journalists and media houses, as well as the general public, to cease the circulation of gory images of the accident since they are highly insensitive and a direct violation of our code of ethics.”

GJA announced that all planned activities of the association have been suspended until further notice.

“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”