Helicopter crash: ‘Heavens have claimed their mortal forms, but their legacy remains etched’ – Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has eulogised the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash.

He believes their legacy and their achievements will endure for generations.

The ceremony took place at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, as the nation bid farewell to its fallen heroes.

“The heavens may have claimed their mortal forms, but their legacy remains etched in the laws they championed, the institutions they strengthened, the lives they transformed, and the hope they inspired. Even in their sudden departure, these gallant souls have gifted us a powerful reminder: life is fragile, tomorrow is never promised, and every moment matters,” he declared.

Quoting Psalm 90:12, he said, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. The cruel hands of fate have plucked from our midst eight radiant stars whose light illuminated our nation’s path… I stand before you, soaked in tears, with a heart shattered by this irretrievable loss, yet overflowing with gratitude for the extraordinary lives that graced our land.”

With “profound sorrow” weighing on his soul, the Speaker named the fallen as Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Hon. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

“They were the loving hands that cradled children, the wise voices that guided families, the charitable hands that fed families and whole communities, and the compassionate hearts that uplifted our dear country,” he said.

Mr Bagbin recalled that only days earlier, many of the victims had joined him in mourning comrades Kobina Ade Coker and Sam Pee Yalley.

• Read also: Military officers killed in helicopter crash posthumously promoted

“None of them imagined then that their end would follow hard on the heels of Ade Coker and Sam Yalley. This cruel twist of fate has left me heartbroken and heavy with sorrow,” he said.

Laying “fragrant blossoms of memorabilia” to honour their lives, he urged the nation to remember that they were ministers whose visionary policies sowed seeds of progress, technocrats whose expertise steered the country’s course, a parliamentarian whose interventions “sparkled with insight,” and courageous helicopter crew members who served with “diligent dedication till their final breaths.”

“As we honour their legacy, may we draw strength and wisdom from the way they lived and the way they left,” he said.

“To the bereaved families, I offer not just the condolences of Parliament, but the collective embrace of a nation united in grief. May the Almighty console us who remain in this transient world and grant us the fortitude to continue their unfinished work. May the angels receive these noble souls with fanfare befitting their service. Rest in peace, faithful servants of the nation,” he concluded.

President John Mahama has announced the posthumous promotion of eight Ghana Armed Forces personnel who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash.

“Accordingly, I have approved the following. Squadron Leader Peter Bafami Anala is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander. Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Sergeant Ernest Addo is promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant. These are not just symbolic gestures. They represent the rightful place these officers have earned in our republic’s role of honor,” President Mehama revealed.

He added that the benefits due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks.

Read More