By Emmanuel Gamson
Sekondi (W/R), Aug 13, GNA – The Western Regional Co-ordinating Council (WRCC) in collaboration with the Regional House of Chiefs, has organised a candlelight vigil to honour the eight gallant men who perished in the helicopter crash while on national assignment.
The vigil, held in Sekondi, was attended by traditional and religious leaders, representatives from security services, government officials, students, and members of the public to pay their last respect to the fallen heroes.
Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, during the event, said the legacies of the eight departed individuals should inspire the citizenry to serve with greater dedication, commitment and excellence.
He said: “We mourn them today, but beyond that we cherish the services they rendered to this country, and let these ideals inspire us to do even better.”
He asked the people to join the government in preserving their memories, saying; “We will continue to fight for the things for which they died so that we can make Ghana a better place for us all.”
Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi, Takoradi Air Force Base Commander, described the three fallen soldiers as not only skilled aviators but dedicated public servants, whose absence would be deeply felt within the Ghana Air Force.
He said: “We have lost not just field aviators and statesmen, we have lost sons, fathers, husbands, colleagues and friends, whose absence will be felt deeply, and we will forever carry their memories with us.”
He said the vigil should serve as national reflection, and a testament for the love and “our refusal to let their lights fade unnoticed.”
Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, urged Ghanaians to turn their grief into unity and progress, saying; “In doing so we will advance Ghana with the same courage that the eight gallant men showed in their line of duty.”
Meanwhile, a book of condolence has been opened at the WRCC in honour of the eight victims of the helicopter crash.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah