Former Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has called on Ghanaians to set aside political divisions and unite in mourning the eight national offici
Former Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has called on Ghanaians to set aside political divisions and unite in mourning the eight national officials who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
Speaking to journalists after signing the book of condolence for the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, at the Ministry of Defence, Nitiwul described the incident as “a funeral for the entire people of Ghana” and “a tragedy that has shaken the very heart of the nation.”
Nitiwul, who was accompanied by the Ranking Member on Interior and Defence, John Ntim Fordjour, and the Member of Parliament for Ayensuano, Ida Adjoa Asiedu, stressed that the disaster should not be reduced to partisan debates.
“This is not the time for politics. It could have been anyone — even me, having served for years. We must rally behind the President and the government to overcome this tragedy together,” he said.
The former Defence Minister revealed that countries across the world had expressed solidarity with Ghana following the crash, which claimed the lives of senior officials, including Dr Omane Boamah, who was the only child of his mother.
Nitiwul described the deep grief of the bereaved families, particularly Dr Boamah’s mother, wife, and children, who never had the chance to say goodbye before he left for work that day.
“He died serving his nation. We are here to assure the family that we are with them in spirit and in every possible way,” he noted.
He underscored the historic nature of the tragedy, pointing out that it was the first time in Ghana’s history that a sitting Minister for Defence had died in such a manner.
He urged the government and security agencies to prioritise acquiring the best equipment, aircraft, and ships to prevent a recurrence.
“We must ensure our armed forces have everything they need. This tragedy must never happen again — not to this government, and not to any government in the future,” he said.
Reflecting on the crash itself, Nitiwul questioned what went wrong just minutes before the aircraft was due to land.
“What happened during those final moments? We need answers,” he said, adding that the Ghana Armed Forces and the helicopter’s manufacturers were already working together to establish the cause.
On a personal note, the former minister spoke emotionally about Omane Boamah’s faith as a devout Catholic and his plans to celebrate his upcoming birthday.
“God had other plans. Jesus himself lived for only 33 years. I believe the Lord has received him, and he is at peace,” Nitiwul said.
He concluded by calling on Ghanaians to attend Friday’s funeral and bid farewell to the late minister and the other victims, urging the nation to focus on healing and recovery.
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