Relatives, party members, neighbors, and church congregants have gathered at the Paraku Estate home of the late NDC National First Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong in Kumasi, mourning his tragic death in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash.

Among those in attendance is his younger brother, Nimako Sarpong, who, along with Dr. Sarpong’s widow and son, received the comfort and condolences of supporters and community members.

JoyNews' Ohemeng Tawiah reports that Dr. Sarpong’s aged mother has not yet been made aware of his passing, as the family tries to shield her from heartbreak.

Dr. Sarpong was confirmed among the eight individuals killed when a Ghana Air Force Z‑9 helicopter crashed near Brofoyedru Sikaman in the Ashanti Region, en route to Obuasi.

He served as Vice Chair of the ruling National Democratic Congress, having previously led the Ashanti Region and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

Among the deceased were Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and other prominent figures.

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The deceased include Muniru Mohammed, acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and Samuel Sarpong, a Vice Chairman of the NDC and a former Kumasi mayor.

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