KEY POINTS
- Barker-Vormawor calls for rigor in crash investigation.
- President Mahama urges unity and compassion after tragedy.
- The crash claimed the lives of top Ghanaian ministers and officers.
In the wake of last week’s deadly helicopter crash that claimed the lives of senior Ghanaian officials, activist and legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor is calling for an investigation grounded in facts rather than rumors.
Barker-Vormawor, who convenes the “Fix the Country” movement, said in a Facebook post that the country must resist the urge for “emotive grandstanding” and instead focus on a methodical search for answers.
Calls for rigor in crash investigation
“This is not the time for half-baked theory propounders,” he wrote. “Investigating the causes of the accident and determining how, as a society, we move forward must not be left to speculation. We need rigor.”
His remarks echo those of President John Dramani Mahama, who urged Ghanaians to set aside political divisions in the aftermath of the tragedy. Mahama, addressing the nation on August 7, described the moment as one for “strength, empathy, and the enduring Ghanaian spirit.”
Ghana mourns leaders lost in the disaster
The crash, which occurred on August 6, killed Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former lawmaker Samuel Aboagye.
Also on board were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The helicopter had taken off from Accra en route to Obuasi before it went off radar and crashed.
Leaders urge unity over political point-scoring
Mahama’s statement stressed unity, urging the nation to comfort the bereaved families and honor the memories of those lost.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the passenger list a day earlier, noting the impact on both the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress.
The Ghana Armed Forces said investigations were underway to determine what caused the aircraft to go down. Officials have yet to confirm whether weather, technical faults, or other factors were to blame.
