Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, joined by leading figures of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has paid his respects to the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash.

Speaking at the Ceremonial Gardens of the presidency on Friday, August 8, where he laid a wreath and lit a candle in memory of the deceased, Dr Bawumia said, “I think the grief comes to all Ghanaians; this is not just me, not the NDC, it is all of us."

“This is a national tragedy. Eight public officials on official duty… they were in the service of this country, and they had this tragic accident, and they all lost their lives.”

Dr Bawumia noted that he had begun visiting some of the bereaved families and would continue the following day.

“This morning I took the opportunity to visit some of the families, at least of three of the victims, and I will continue tomorrow to complete that exercise,” he said.

He extended condolences to President John Mahama, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the families affected by what he called a “very, very painful loss.”

“Ghana has lost just a tremendous amount from this particular tragedy and this is why I am here to lay a wreath to express my condolences,” Dr Bawumia said.

He also noted the need for national unity in the face of grief.

“This is not a partisan issue, this is a national tragedy. You should expect full participation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) because this is our national duty. We will fully participate,” he added.