A somber atmosphere has gripped Koforidua following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others on August 6, 2025.
The Ghana News Agency observed a subdued mood across the township, markedly different from the usual bustle.
Among the deceased were Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
The two were en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme when their military helicopter crashed near Adansi Sikaman.
At the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, the Ghana flag was flown at half-mast, symbolizing the gravity of the national loss.
The government has since declared a three-day national mourning with flags lowered across the country and public events suspended.
Speaking to GNA, Mr. Francis Ayensu, Elections Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in New Juaben South, said: “It is a period for everyone to mourn and give emotional support to one another.”
He described Dr Boamah as “a pillar of sustenance in terms of financial support to the NDC party, inspirational and a role model to the party.”

Mr Richard Nyarko, Eastern Regional Youth Organiser of the NDC, added: “The region cannot contain its grief over the sudden demise.”
He described Dr Boamah as “knowledgeable, analytical and influential to the party.”
At the Central Market, trader Ms. Akua Frimpongmaa shared the emotional toll: “Though you see us going about our business, we are saddened and not very well.”
Dr Boamah’s mother, who resides in Koforidua, is currently in Accra receiving emotional and medical support due to the shock of the news.
The crash also claimed the lives of: Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Lemunade, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chair of the NDC; Mr Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manim Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensa of the Ghana Air Force.
The delegation was traveling to Obuasi for a government initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining and promoting sustainable development.
The crash of the Ghana Air Force Z-9EH helicopter marks one of the country’s worst aviation tragedies in recent years.
President John Dramani Mahama declared the incident a national tragedy in a national address, suspending all official engagements and initiating a full investigation.
The black box and flight recorder had been recovered.
Tributes have poured in from across Ghana and the international community.
Books of condolence would be opened at key institutions, including the Ministries of Defence and Environment, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, and NDC offices nationwide.
An inter-denominational state funeral is scheduled for August 15 at Black Star Square.