His Royal Majesty, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom has cautioned politicians to desist from over politicising critical and urgent matters such as the purchasing of new presidential jets and military helicopters, stating the need for these jets as “safety and operational efficiency”,
Addressing a gathering at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, August 13, during a visit by the Ashanti Regional Minister to formally inform the King about the death of the eight individuals who perished in a plane crash at Sikaman-Brofroyedru in the Adansi Akrofrom District on August 6, Otumfuo noted that most of the military aircraft are out of use and not in good condition.
Otumfuo said “purchasing a new flight should be treated with urgency”, describing it as a national concern.
Several attempts to purchase a new aircraft have not been successful.
According to Asantehene, most of the military aircraft are currently not in good condition for continuous use and therefore called for the need to invest in modern ones.
“Enough of the politicising of the purchase of presidential planes and helicopters. Human lives are at stake here. We must invest to safeguard their safety and efficiency,” Asantehene said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II further expressed his condolences to President John Dramani Mahama and the bereaved family.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also called for national unity in addressing Ghana’s aviation sector to avoid future tragedies.
Two of the victims of the crash- Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, were buried on August 10.
The other six left to be buried on August 15 include: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The government declared a three-day national mourning period, which included a flower-laying ceremony from August 7 and a memorial service held on August 9.
A state funeral for the victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.
Earlier on Wednesday, August 6, the Ghana Armed Forces reported that the Z-9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, had gone “off the radar.”
The aircraft departed Accra at 09:12 local time (GMT) and was heading to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event. Its disappearance triggered an immediate search-and-rescue operation, which later confirmed that all eight people aboard had died.
