The Council of State has joined the chorus of national grief following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including two Cabinet Ministers, on Wednesday.

In a solemn statement signed by its Chairman, Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho, the Council extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Government, Parliament, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the leadership and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“This is a devastating moment for our nation,” the statement read. “We share in the grief and mourn the loss of these patriotic individuals who served our country with honour, diligence, and devotion—and who paid the ultimate price in the course of duty.”

Among the deceased were:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central
• Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
• Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary Candidate
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala,
• Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu,
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

The Council described the fallen officials and servicemen as exemplary citizens who embodied the highest ideals of public service and national duty.

Calling for a united front in mourning, the Council urged all Ghanaians to “uphold the values of service and sacrifice that these fallen heroes embodied,” and to reflect on the fragility of life and the price of leadership.

“May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their families find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.

Ghana remains in mourning, as flags fly at half-mast and tributes pour in from across the political and civic landscape for a tragedy that has shaken the soul of the nation.