Highlife artiste and presidential staffer Rex Omar has joined growing calls for a thorough probe into the helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, among them two Cabinet Ministers, in Ghana’s Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
At a solemn ceremony of flower-laying and candle-lighting held at the Ceremonial Garden outside Jubilee House on Thursday, August 7, Omar shared his grief and personal connection to the tragedy.
“They were close allies and for Dr Omane Boamah, we spoke three days ago and even scheduled a meeting for today but this is the outcome today.
“We should all be strong and continue the good work he started. This is a very very painful incident and that is why I endorse full investigations into it. This has never happened to Ghana so I support the call,” he reportedly said.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim confirmed in an interview with Joy FM that the government has established a task force to determine the cause of the crash, which killed two senior officials and six others. Omar stressed that uncovering the truth was essential to prevent such disasters in the future.
The government has also declared three days of national mourning, from Thursday, August 7, to Saturday, August 9, beginning with Thursday’s tribute at Jubilee House. According to the Presidency’s Communications Directorate, the period will serve as “a time for national reflection and unity,” honouring the victims while offering support to their families.
Those lost in the accident include Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; MP for Tamale Central, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; NDC National Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong; 2024 NDC Parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye; pilot Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; co-pilot Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and crew member Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah.
