Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has made a heartfelt appeal for national unity, empathy, and reflection, in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
She said the country needed to heal, urging Ghanaians to re-examine their actions and the nature of political discourse in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“We must reflect on our actions, whether they are helping or harming our nation. We cannot continue to politicise tragedies. We need to… learn from the lives and sacrifices of these gallant men,” she said.
Madam Gomashie made this remarks on Tuesday when she visited the Ministry of Environment Science Technology and Innovation to sign the Book of Condolence in honour of her late colleague, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Referring to both Dr Muhammed and Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who also perished in the crash, she said:  “They lived as true Ghanaians and exemplified what we should all strive to do, show empathy for one another, serve our country with integrity, and avoid attacks or dishonesty in the name of politics.”
Madam Gomashie recounted her final conversation with the late Minister, which took place just a day before the accident.
“He looked at me and said; I will shock you. I am going to the Ashanti Region, when I return, you will see the things I have done for you.”
She noted that the news of the crash reached her while she was on her way to finalising arrangements for her own father’s funeral.
“A call from the Director of Culture prompted me to check the flight manifest. I quickly went to Murtala’s page, and I was shattered,” she shared.
Madam Gomashie called on Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of compassion, saying “Let us be the Ghanaians the world knows us to be, empathetic and united.”
“Personal and political divisions must not overshadow national cohesion and shared humanity.”
She was accompanied by Mr Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Tourism minister, Mrs Maame Efua Hoadjetou, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority, and Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, her Deputy.
Also present were Mr Sukparu Adams Mohammed Sissala, Deputy Minister  Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr Joseph Kwasi Amoah, Chief Director of MoTCCA, and Mr Divine Owusu Ansah, Director of Culture and Creative Arts