Gender Minister under Flfire over perished 16 youth of Saviour Church

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, is facing intense public backlash following a press statement that combined condolences for two separate tragic incidents — the recent military helicopter crash that killed five government officials and three crew members and a road accident that claimed the lives of 16 children over two weeks ago.

The statement, issued on the letterhead of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), aimed at extending sympathy to the families of both tragedies.

While the message for the helicopter crash victims was swift and detailed, critics have taken issue with what they describe as a belated and perfunctory acknowledgment of the children’s deaths.

Background of the Incidents

On August 6, 2025, the nation was shaken by news of a military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five key figures in President John Mahama’s administration, including the Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

The tragedy drew widespread national grief, prompting swift responses from state institutions, political parties, and foreign missions.

However, more than two weeks prior, another heartbreaking incident had occurred — 16 children lost their lives in a road accident while returning from a church program.

The accident devastated families and communities, particularly in the affected rural areas.

Until now, no formal statement had been released by the Gender Ministry, which holds a mandate over child welfare and family protection.

The Minister’s Statement

In a press release dated 8th August 2025, Dr. Lartey’s ministry offered collective condolences for both incidents, stating:

“The Ministry also takes a moment to commiserate with the families and community that lost 16 children in a tragic road accident while returning from a church activity… We stand firmly behind the grieving families in prayer, support, and shared sorrow.”

This inclusion has angered many Ghanaians, who view the gesture as an afterthought triggered only by the more recent helicopter tragedy and public criticism.

Critics argue that the ministry’s failure to promptly recognize the children’s deaths shows a lack of sensitivity and prioritization, especially given its core responsibility.

One social commentator wrote: “This is very insulting as much as it is shameful. But for the deaths of the eight government officials, this minister and her ministry saw no need to commiserate with the parents who lost their children weeks ago.”

Another went further to demand accountability:“The Gender Minister doesn’t deserve to be in office. The entire Mahama administration must apologize to the parents of these innocent children. This is a clear dereliction of duty.”

Calls for Resignation or Dismissal

The criticism has intensified, with civil society activists, child rights advocates, and opposition voices calling for Dr. Lartey’s resignation or immediate dismissal.

They argue that the timing of the Ministry’s condolences exposes a concerning bias — that public recognition and state sympathy are disproportionately directed toward politically connected individuals.