The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has extended heartfelt condolences to government and the Ghana Armed Forces following the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, which claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians.

Among the victims were two cabinet ministers—Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology and MP for Tamale Central—as well as Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and three military officers: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (pilot), Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu (co-pilot), and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah (crew member).

In a statement delivered through his Personal Assistant, Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo, the Chief Imam described the incident as a “national disaster of collective grief” that transcends politics, ethnicity, and religion.

The Chief Imam expressed deep empathy with the bereaved families, urging them to find strength in the shared pain of an entire nation.

“You are not alone in this moment of divine trial,” he assured.

While mourning the departed, the Grand Imam also offered words of encouragement to the government and the military leadership.

He urged them not to despair but to see this tragedy as a wake-up call to improve the safety, capacity, and effectiveness of the country’s air operations, particularly the flying squadron.

He further appealed to media practitioners to exercise caution and sensitivity in their reporting, stressing the need to respect both cultural values and professional ethics in their coverage of the tragedy.

The Chief Imam concluded with a solemn prayer for divine mercy on the souls of the departed and peace for the nation in this time of sorrow.