The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), led by its Chairman and Presidential Advisor on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, and Director-General, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, has paid a solemn tribute to eight distinguished Ghanaians who perished in the recent tragic helicopter crash.

The eight distinguished persons who died in the helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 included the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Other victims are the former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate; and Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC.

The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

After a brief wreath-laying ceremony at Jubilee House on Monday, August 11, 2025, Dr. Thompson described the loss as a profound blow to the nation’s development efforts.

He fondly recalled his recent conversations with the late Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who had pledged strong support for the expedited preparation of Ghana’s long-term national development plan. 

Dr. Thompson also paid tribute to Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who had offered valuable communication guidance during an orientation for government appointees before the tragedy.

Emphasising the need to honour the legacies of the departed, Dr. Thompson urged a renewed national resolve to combat illegal mining, calling it “an imperative” in the wake of this loss.

Following the Jubilee House ceremony, Dr. Thompson and Dr. Amoah proceeded to the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Defence, where they signed the books of condolence.

Reflecting on his recent close engagement with Dr. Muhammed at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, Dr. Thompson described their discussions on agriculture, currency stability, environmental negotiations, and long-term planning as profound and inspiring. 

He noted the late Minister’s deep knowledge, policy insight, and steadfast commitment to seeing Ghana’s long-term national development plan legislated for effective implementation.

He further recalled Dr. Muhammed’s leadership as head of the African negotiating team on plastics, where he championed comprehensive solutions to pressing environmental challenges. 

Dr. Thompson stressed that the most fitting tribute to him and the other fallen heroes would be to intensify efforts against illegal mining, warning that failure to act would diminish the meaning of their service and sacrifice.

The President of the Ghana Institute of Planners, Pln. Percy Anaab Bukari, also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, highlighting the victims’ invaluable contributions to national development and environmental stewardship. 

He praised Dr. Muhammed’s active engagement in SDG-related initiatives and his unwavering advocacy for environmental preservation.

Pln. Bukari extended condolences to the bereaved families, affected institutions, and the nation, praying for the Almighty to grant the departed eternal rest.