Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has spoken of his profound grief following the death of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and seven others in the 6 August military helicopter crash.

In an interview on Channel One TV on Monday, August 11, Mr Ablakwa said the incident had left him and many others “petrified and traumatised”.

He described Dr Omane Boamah not only as a pivotal figure in his political career but also as a brother and trusted confidant.

“This has been a difficult period for us – devastating, traumatising, depressing. We are all petrified; we are shattered. I wish to extend my deepest commiserations to the children, spouses, families, and loved ones of the victims, as well as to the President, the Vice President, the government, and the people of Ghana,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa called the disaster “a tragedy of monumental proportions” – the first of its kind in Ghana’s history – and said the nation was still struggling to come to terms with its impact.

“This has never happened in our history. It is unspeakable, and it challenges our faith and the principles we hold dear. We can only ask the Lord to comfort our nation and grant the bereaved families fortitude,” he remarked.

The minister revealed that he had endured sleepless nights since the incident, describing the emotional toll as “psychologically draining” and “difficult to bear”.

The crash claimed the lives of Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; National Democratic Congress Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.

The three crew members who also perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

A state funeral for all eight victims will take place at the Black Star Square in Accra on Friday, 15 August 2025.