The Nekotech Centre of Excellence has joined the nation in mourning the eight officials who lost their lives in the August 6 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

In a message of condolence on August 16, the organisation highlighted the ultimate sacrifice of the victims and underscored its own mission to develop the human capital that is vital for national progress.

In the heartfelt release commiserating with the bereaved families on Friday, August 15, Executive Chairperson of the Nekotech Centre of Excellence, Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey, expressed sorrow over the tragedy.

"As an institution dedicated to human capital development... we are profoundly saddened by the loss of these dedicated and patriotic individuals, who were at the forefront of national development," the message stated.

"At this time of national mourning, we stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. May they find strength and comfort in the knowledge that the entire nation shares in their grief. May their souls rest in perfect peace."

The high-profile victims who perished in the accident included two cabinet ministers, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Minister for Defence) and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation).

Also among the deceased were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, the Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The remaining victims were the helicopter's crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The group was travelling to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to attend an event aimed at combating illegal mining, known as galamsey.

The Nekotech Centre of Excellence has an established history of working to empower African youth through education, healthcare, and economic development.

The institution's programmes are directly relevant to the national development goals that the fallen officials were working to achieve.

One of the centre's key initiatives is its higher education initiative, which assists African youth to pursue master's degree programmes in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in the USA, Canada, Germany and France.

The programme offers access to significant no-collateral loans for tuition and living expenses.

Additionally, the Nekotech Centre is renowned for its job readiness and migrant programmes.

These initiatives are designed to move low-skilled workers to semi-skilled employment, ensuring they are well-prepared to succeed both locally and in foreign job markets.

This work aligns with the government's efforts to create decent work opportunities for its citizens and curb unregulated migration.