Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged Ghanaians to turn the national grief over the August 6 military helicopter crash into a moment of unity, sober reflection, and renewed commitment to the country’s progress.

Speaking at the Evening of Reflection and Memorial for the eight victims at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said no words could fully capture the magnitude of the loss.

“This is not a time for perfect words nor a time for the right thoughts, because there are none,” she said, adding that the departed had “served their nation and humanity well.”

She reflected on the shared memories and encounters many had with the late colleagues, moments she said now crystallise into treasured memories, and acknowledged the widespread sorrow felt by family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers who hurt nonetheless.

The Vice President cautioned against political point-scoring and blame, instead calling for “paying attention to detail and to facts” to prevent future tragedies.

She urged the nation to question whether the “unhelpful barriers we consciously continue to build and maintain” are worth preserving, noting that unity should prevail in times of crisis.

“It is a time for wishing our colleagues, who have perished in the line of duty, peaceful rest. It is a time for praying for comfort for their families and for everyone,” she said.

“It is a time too for the rest of us… to renew our pledge to work in ways that truly advance our country as they have tried to do.”