Award-winning Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy, has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including senior military officers and two prominent ministers of state.
Speaking in an emotional interview last week, the celebrated musician described the incident as a “sad moment for Ghana,” revealing his personal connection to some of the victims.
“This is not just another tragedy we read about in the news; it’s a national heartbreak. We are all just shocked. It’s difficult to comprehend… it’s crazy,” Stonebwoy said.
A Personal Loss for the Dancehall Star
Stonebwoy recounted his close relationship with the late Minister of State, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, describing both men as father figures in his life.
“These are people I was very close to personally. Honourable Murtala was a big BHIM Nation supporter—he encouraged me and treated me like family. Alhaji Muniru was also like a father figure to me. They were honourable men who served Ghana diligently,” he shared.
The multiple award-winning artiste disclosed that the incident has been particularly painful for him because it occurred in August—the same month he lost his mother ten years ago.
“This is the tenth year of the month my mother passed away, so I was already in a certain emotional space. And then all these were added on. It’s not easy,” he revealed.
Fond Memories and Public Support
Stonebwoy reflected warmly on his interactions with the late Dr. Murtala Mohammed, highlighting a moment that deepened their friendship.
“My relationship with Honourable Murtala was like that of a son and father. We actually spoke more on the phone than we met in person. What really touched me was when, during a media interview, he publicly expressed his love and support for my music and my brand,” the artiste said.
According to Stonebwoy, such public praise from a respected political figure was a reminder that music transcends politics and social divides.
“He showed that from his level as a politician, he could still appreciate reggae and dancehall while serving the nation. That was humbling for me,” he added.
A National Tragedy with a Call to Action
The tragic helicopter crash, which occurred during an official mission, has sparked widespread grief across the country. The loss of the two ministers and military personnel has been described by many as a significant blow to Ghana’s leadership and security apparatus.
For Stonebwoy, the pain is not just personal—it is a collective wound for the entire nation.
“This isn’t just a family loss; Ghana has been hit hard. These were people serving the country, dedicating their time and expertise to national development. The state must take deliberate steps to prevent such disasters from happening again,” he said.
The musician urged government authorities to prioritise accident prevention, especially in sectors involving high-risk operations such as military aviation.
“We must learn from this. The state must employ measures to avoid such disasters. Human lives are too precious to be lost this way,” he stressed.
Remembering the Lives Lost
The late Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed was widely regarded as a dynamic and outspoken political leader who served in various capacities, including as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, and later, as a Minister of State. His dedication to public service earned him respect across the political spectrum.
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed was also a respected public servant, recognised for his community engagement and commitment to national progress.
Hon. Samuel Sarpong, the former Ashanti Regional Minister who also perished in the crash, was celebrated for his dedication to youth empowerment and his work in regional development. All three men, along with the military personnel on board, were reportedly engaged in official duties at the time of the tragedy.
Their deaths have left a void not only in government but also in the hearts of those who knew them personally. Tributes have poured in from political leaders, colleagues, and members of the public, reflecting the deep impact they had on Ghanaian society.
Stonebwoy’s Legacy of Advocacy
While Stonebwoy is best known for his music career—garnering multiple awards and taking Ghanaian dancehall to the global stage—he has also been vocal on national issues. Over the years, he has used his platform to advocate for road safety, youth empowerment, and social unity.
This latest tragedy, he says, is a reminder that artists, politicians, and citizens alike share a common duty to push for better safety standards in the country.
“As a people, we cannot control every event, but we can control how we prepare and prevent. My heart goes out to the families. We will continue to honour their memories by ensuring their deaths are not in vain,” Stonebwoy concluded.
Nation in Mourning
The Ghanaian flag has been flown at half-mast since the incident, with national prayers and vigils organised across various communities. The official funeral arrangements for the victims are expected to draw large crowds, including dignitaries, military officers, and members of the entertainment industry.
For many Ghanaians, this tragedy has underscored the need for unity in times of crisis. From parliament to the streets, conversations have shifted to how the country can better safeguard its leaders and frontline workers.
As Ghana mourns, voices like Stonebwoy’s remind the nation that grief must be coupled with resolve. The crash has taken away leaders, fathers, mentors, and friends—but it has also ignited calls for change that could save lives in the future.
