The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has proposed to the government the establishment of support schemes and awards for the dependents of the eight brave men who tragically lost their lives in a recent helicopter crash. The church believes that such measures would honour the ultimate sacrifice these individuals made, as well as acknowledge their distinguished service to the nation. “This gesture will emphasise that Ghana, our beloved country, is indeed worth dying for,” stated a tribute issued by the church and signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Ernest Birikorang, in memory of the eight fallen Ghanaian patriots.
Victims
The Assemblies of God, Ghana, joined the nation in mourning the eight courageous individuals who tragically lost their lives in a crash at Adansi Brofoyedu, located in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. Among the victims were the Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central; the acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna; and Samuel Sarpong, the Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Additionally, the deceased included Samuel Aboagye, the parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East in the upcoming 2024 election and the Deputy Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah.
Tie back
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has indicated that it is considering setting up an Endowment Fund for the children of the crash victims as a measure of support for the surviving dependents. The Managing Director of the bank, Edward Ato Sarpong, who led a delegation from the bank to lay a wreath in memory of the eight patriots, said those who lost their lives were well-meaning patriots who would have done the same thing for others.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) said it had also started reviewing its records to ensure that all eligible dependants receive their due benefits. Addressing what support could be available for the bereaved families after laying a wreath in the memory of Ghana’s eight fallen patriots, the Director-General of the Trust, Kwesi Afreh Biney, said SSNIT had begun reviews to ensure that every benefit would be paid to beneficiaries with dispatch.
“Parliamentarians are part of our active members, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is one of our subvented organisations, and ministers are part of our Controller group. We have a responsibility as a trust to ensure we follow the right processes and pass on the benefits to those they have left behind,” Mr Biney said. He was addressing journalists when the management and staff of SSNIT laid flowers in memory of eight distinguished Ghanaians who lost their lives in a helicopter crash last Wednesday.
The Assemblies of God, Ghana, expressed deep sorrow regarding the circumstances surrounding the recent deaths, describing them as heartbreaking, soul-wrenching, and earth-shaking. They emphasised that this tragedy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and its fleeting nature.
In their condolences to the families affected, as well as to the Presidency and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Assemblies of God, Ghana encouraged everyone to find comfort in Psalm 147:3, which reads, “The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” The Assemblies of God, Ghana also expressed hope that the sense of national unity fostered by this tragedy will continue to bring people together, regardless of political differences, social classes, ages, ethnic backgrounds, or religious beliefs. The statement concluded with a heartfelt wish that the souls of the departed may rest in perfect peace.
By: Daily Graphic
