By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, Aug. 11, GNA – The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) and the Ho Municipal Assembly on Sunday evening hosted a solemn vigil at the Nfojoh Park, Ho, in honour of eight distinguished Ghanaians who perished in a recent helicopter crash.
The crash all eight persons on board, including d Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, former Minister of Defence and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, who perished in a recent military helicopter crash.
The candlelight ceremony formed part of nationwide memorial activities to honour the memory of the departed and to offer spiritual support to their bereaved families.
The event drew government officials, security services, traditional leaders, the clergy, political party representatives, and community members in a united show of grief.
Welcoming mourners, Mr. Stephen Adom, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ho, described the occasion as a “painful but necessary gathering,” urging the public to pray for all government appointees.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you to such an unpleasant event. We gather here to mourn with the government and the bereaved families,” he stated solemnly.
Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, emphasised that the tragedy had touched every corner of the country.
“The Volta Region is not left out of this calamity,” he said, recalling the invaluable contributions of the deceased, particularly Dr. Omane Boamah, to national development.
He recounted an emotional moment when Volta chiefs met the President over the Asikuma barrier issue and heard him break down in tears after receiving the crash news.
“We can only ask for God’s guidance and protection for all of us,” he added.
Reverend Seth Mawutor, Volta Regional Chairman of the Peace Council, delivered words of comfort, urging residents not to lose faith.
“Do not let your heart be troubled, Volta Region. God has not made any mistakes. He knows why it happened,” he encouraged.
Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor, Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), paid tribute on behalf of the party, saying the loss was personal. “The NDC is in deep grief. These eight patriots paid their dues to the reset agenda. Let us learn from them and contribute to the betterment of our country,” he urged.
Mr. Edem Kofi Kpotosu, Ho Central MP, eulogised Dr. Omane Boamah for his commitment to party education, including demystifying the belief that the NDC could not win the 2025 general elections. He also recalled Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s encouragement for him to make an annual parliamentary statement on February 24 in recognition of his PhD achievements.
Mr. Kofi Attoh, former Ho Central MP, remembered meeting Dr. Omane Boamah in 2002 during discussions on the GETFund. He commended Dr. Murtala for his resilience in regaining his parliamentary seat, noting, “I always admire Comrade Murtala Mohammed when making statements in Parliament because he speaks with facts and figures.”
Lt. Col. Jalali Din Ibrahim, Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho, said the tragedy was a reminder of God’s sovereignty. “No one can fully understand God. The news of their passing was known only to Him. We must keep praying for the departed souls,” he urged.
Togbe Adawusa Sakrafu, Paramount Chief of Goviewofe, speaking on behalf of the President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, expressed the chiefs’ deep sorrow and encouraged government leaders to remain steadfast in the face of the tragedy.
The solemn atmosphere was accompanied by music from the Army Band, Police Band, Israel Mawueta’s ensemble, and the Glorious Choir, whose renditions moved mourners to tears.
In a symbolic gesture, wreaths were laid on behalf of various institutions and communities: Mr. James Gunu for the Government; Lt. Col. Jalali Din Ibrahim for the Armed Forces; Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor for the NDC; Togbe Adawusa Sakrafu for the House of Chiefs; and Dr. Hintermann K.K. Mroch for the Ho Teaching Hospital.
The vigil concluded with prayers and a moment of silence, uniting all present in reflection on the and legacies of the eight gallant Ghanaians who gave so much to their country.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah