The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has urged all public institutions of higher learning to observe a moment of silence during official engagements throughout the national mourning period declared after the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, UTAG expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and pledged its support towards national healing.
“We stand ready with our expertise to support national healing,” it stated.
The association also called on the government to conduct a ‘thorough and transparent investigation’ into the circumstances surrounding the crash and to take urgent steps to improve the safety of official air travels to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may Ghana remain united and resilient in the face of this tragedy,” the statement added.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the identities of the deceased at a press conference held in Accra on Wednesday, August 6.
Among those who died were the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Also, on board the ill-fated flight was Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former Member of Parliament Samuel Aboagye, and Samuel Sarpong, a former Ashanti Regional Minister and now Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The three crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah were also killed in the crash.
A three-day national mourning period has since been declared in honour of the victims.
MRA/AE
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Africaweb – Ghana
