Ghana is reeling from the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight brave individuals in the Ashanti Region. Among the flood of tributes pouring in from across the country, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has expressed profound grief and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
In a solemn message, Dr. Agyepong described the deceased as “true patriots” whose service to the nation would never be forgotten.
“We join the rest of Ghana in mourning. I am deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight dedicated Ghanaians,” he said.
“This is a heartbreaking loss to their families, to the government, and to the nation they served with honour and distinction. Ghana has lost true patriots,” he added.
The accident, which occurred in the Ashanti Region earlier this week, involved a military helicopter on an official assignment. Though the details of the flight and its specific mission remain under investigation, sources confirm the victims were part of a state-sanctioned operation. Their dedication to duty, even in the face of personal risk, speaks volumes of the calibre of service personnel Ghana continues to produce.
Dr. Agyepong, whose Jospong Group employs thousands across the country and contributes significantly to national development, emphasized the need for national unity in the face of such loss. He called on Ghanaians to rally around the families and honour the memory of the fallen.
“On behalf of the entire Jospong Group, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” he stated, his voice thick with emotion.
The industrialist, known not only for his business acumen but also for his humanitarian efforts, urged the public and government institutions to provide the necessary support to help the affected families navigate the road ahead.
“These were not just names on a flight list. These were fathers, sons, brothers and most of all, Ghanaians who made the ultimate sacrifice. As a nation, it is our duty to ensure their families do not walk alone through this grief,” Dr. Agyepong said.
The Victims Identified
Authorities have now confirmed the identities of all eight victims:
1. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah – Minister of Defence
2. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation
3. Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
4. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
5. Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate and deputy head of the disaster relief agency
6. Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
7. Flying Officer Manaen (Twum) Ampadu – Co-pilot
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Aircrew member
The crash occurred while the victims were on a classified anti-illegal mining mission in the Ashanti Region. The Z-9 military helicopter lost contact mid-flight and was later found wrecked in a mountainous forest area.
The news has sent shockwaves through various sectors of Ghanaian society, with messages of sorrow and tribute flooding in from political leaders, civil society groups, and the clergy. President John Dramani Mahama, who was visibly shaken during a brief address on the matter, has promised a full-scale investigation and appropriate state honours for the victims.
Flags across public institutions have been lowered to half-mast in their memory.
For Dr. Agyepong, the moment calls for both reflection and resolve.
“This tragedy reminds us all of how fragile life is and how important it is to cherish those who put the wellbeing of the nation ahead of their own. These men were heroes. Their sacrifice must awaken in us a renewed sense of duty to Ghana,” he noted.
The Jospong Group founder has over the years built a reputation not only for spearheading some of Ghana’s most transformative waste management and environmental solutions but also for being a voice of peace, development, and compassion.
“We may not always be able to prevent tragedies like this, but we can certainly choose how we respond to them. Let us respond with love, unity, and support for those left behind,” he concluded.
As investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash continue, the Ghana Armed Forces has urged the public to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the grieving families. The Defence Ministry is also expected to release a formal statement outlining the next steps, including funeral arrangements and national mourning protocols.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for an interfaith memorial service that will likely be held in Kumasi, the regional capital, with participation expected from all branches of government, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations.
For now, however, the mood in the country is one of collective sorrow and solemn recognition of those who paid the ultimate price.
Indeed, as Dr. Agyepong rightly put it: “May their souls find perfect peace.”
