Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto, has described the August 6 military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives as a national tragedy.

She described it as “a great loss for Mother Ghana."

Among the victims were Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Environment Minister, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, as well as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, who were members of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Ms. Houadjeto made the remarks during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony held on Thursday, 7, to honour the eight fallen in the crash that has left the nation in mourning since Wednesday at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Presidency.

“For me, it's devastating, it’s unbelievable, I mean, they are all good men, they are not villains, so it’s a big loss for Mother Ghana, it’s a big loss for the NDC party, and of course, I’m sympathetic towards their families. I pray to the almighty God to keep them in his bosom,” she said during her remark with Joynews’ Maxwell Agbagba.

Further narrowing it to the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who tragically died in the crash, she spoke fondly of her memories of him, stating it is simply unbelievable for her to accept.

“I call him brother, because we’re both FEC members, just after he’s vetting, he gave me an assignment to do, and after completing I called him, he gave me another assignment to do, and that was the last time I spoke to him, which was like a month ago,” she stated

She also expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, with a special commiseration noting that the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah is the only child.

“And I understand he is the only child, so I’m wondering how the family is holding up, I’m wondering what is happening to his mother right now, I’m wondering what is going on with the children and wife, I can’t comprehend it, it’s just unimaginable”, she noted

Reflecting on the values these fallen heroes embodied, Ms. Houadjeto urged young people and politicians to take inspiration from the exemplary qualities of the fallen heroes, highlighting their patriotism, integrity, and selfless service.

“I will like to tell all the young people out there that the whole nation is empathize with him because of the the good work he did, he was committed, he was honest, he responded to duty, he was proactive, his integrity is spelt so high and I believe that every young politician should emulate this people” she urged.

Several individuals, organisations internally and externally, heads of states, religious entities already started extending their condolences to the families of the deceased, the government of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, and other affected institutions.

President John Dramani Mahama, during his first national address after the tragic incident, urged all to offer compassion to the bereaved families rather than scoring political points.

He further announced the recovery of the aircraft’s black box, which is expected to aid investigators in determining the cause of the accident.

With flags flying at half-mast and military bands playing solemn hymns, the tragedy stands as both a painful reminder of the lives lost and a rallying call for national unity in the face of adversity.