Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has paid glowing tribute to the eight men who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region while on national duty.

Speaking at the State Funeral on Friday, August 15, she expressed her deep gratitude to the fallen heroes, describing them as examples of selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to Ghana.

She recalled fond moments working with the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, highlighting his enthusiasm and collaborative spirit.

She noted how they often agreed to avoid lengthy agendas and focus on efficiency, adding with a gentle reminder: “And Omane, you know that you and I have an outstanding meeting.”

The Vice President also remembered her constant habit of calling the men for updates on their assignments, often receiving encouraging but humble responses: “We are trying,” “We are making progress, it’s not easy oo,” “We are doing our best,” and “Our implementation plan is on course.”

Paying her final respects, Professor Opoku-Agyemang said: “I wish you peaceful rest, my colleagues. I thank each of you for your examples of selflessness, sacrifice, commitment to duty, and your abiding belief in the ability of our country to be better for all of us.

"I pray that we will all gather the strength to say and believe with the hymnist: Through the love of God our Saviour, All is well.”

She added: “We thank you for bequeathing to us the gifts of selflessness, loyalty, justice, determination, trust, and sheer hard work. You are forever with us in the noble task of resetting our country.”

Concluding her tribute, the Vice President reminded mourners that though the departed may no longer be physically present, their spirits continue to guide the living: “The rustling tree, the murmuring wood, and the flowing water remind us that the dead are not dead.”

The eight men honoured were:

• Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister
• Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Environment Minister
• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman
• Samuel Aboagye, NDC 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, crew member
• Flying Officer Amaning Twum Ampadu, crew member
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, crew member