This is not the time to point fingers at anyone and play blame games, but rather move in a moment of unity, sober reflection, and renewed commitment to the country’s progress during this period of national grief over the August 6 military helicopter crash, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has admonished Ghanaians.
“This is not a time for perfect words nor a time for the right thoughts, because there are none, they served their nation and humanity well. This time needs us to pay critical attention to detail and to facts to avoid and prevent any such occurrence in the future.
“Unhelpful barriers we consciously continue to build and maintain. It is a time for wishing our colleagues, who have perished in the line of duty, peaceful rest. It is a time for praying for comfort for their families and for everyone. It is a time too for the rest of us… to renew our pledge to work in ways that truly advance our country as they have tried to do” she stated.
The Vice President was speaking at the Evening of Reflection and Memorial for the eight victims at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9.
Her comment comes after the President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, criticized and blamed the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration’s failure to curb illegal mining for the tragedy.
He stated that if significant action had been taken against illegal mining over the past five to seven years, “we wouldn’t be here.”
“It’s hard, it’s really hard, it’s painful, I will commiserate with the families and the rest of the country. It’s important that people do not remind us of the pain, especially some of the commentaries regarding this whole menace of galamsey.
“It’s quite interesting that we are making it look as though something should be shared politically. I think that if something significant had been done about it, probably in the last 5, 6 or 7 years, we wouldn’t be here,” he said on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue.
The government on Thursday, August 7, held a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Jubilee House to honour the eight victims of the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of key government and military officials.
The tribute, part of the national three-day mourning period, took place at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Presidency and brought together President John Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
Others were the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, Members of Parliament, party stalwarts, grieving families, military personnel, and members of the public.
Among those remembered were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Also honoured were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Armed Forces, who perished in the line of duty.
