The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Professionals Forum has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the entire nation following Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash.

The accident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, led to the loss of eight individuals, who were on their way to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme at Obuasi.

The deceased are Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.

Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman, NDC, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, Obuasi East, as well as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, Co-Pilot, and Sergeant Ernest Addo, Flight Engineer, of the Ghana Armed Forces also died in the helicopter crash.

“To the fallen heroes, your service and sacrifices will never be forgotten. Your dedication, resilience, hard work, and selfless service are etched upon our hearts in gold,” the NDC Professionals Forum stated in their tribute.

While urging national unity during the period of mourning, the political organisation called for “a swift, transparent, and thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to prevent future occurrences.”

They described the accident as tragic news that interrupted what was meant to be a significant day for Ghana’s mining sector with a paradigm shift and a renewed spark of hope.

“Our lips could barely form words as we received and watched the news of the crash, holding on to hope for a better outcome,” the statement read, reflecting the shock felt across the nation.

The crash represents a significant blow to the current administration, losing two cabinet ministers and a senior security official in a single incident, with the timing of the tragedy, occurring during the launch of the rCOMSDEP, heightening the national impact of the loss.