Asiedu Nketiah Reveals He Was Meant for the Crashed Army Helicopter

A Tragic Flight and a Last-Minute Change of Plans

A helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 in the Adansi area claimed the lives of eight individuals, including several high-profile figures. Among those who perished was Dr. Samuel Sarpong, a former Ashanti Regional Minister, who had taken the place of National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah on the flight.

Nketiah revealed that he had initially been scheduled to be on the helicopter, which was heading to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme. However, a last-minute decision led him to send his vice chairman, Dr. Sarpong, in his place. “I was supposed to be on the flight, and last minute, I directed my vice chairman, Dr. Sarpong, to go and stand in for the party, and he accepted it,” Nketiah said while expressing condolences to one of the affected families.

The tragedy has left a deep impact on the NDC, with Nketiah describing Sarpong’s sacrifice as a final act of selfless service to the party and the nation. He also urged the bereaved families to find comfort in their faith, emphasizing the unpredictability of life.

Eyewitness Accounts and Possible Causes of the Crash

Eyewitnesses at the crash site described the events leading up to the disaster. One individual stated that the helicopter lost its balance after colliding with a tree and a mountain before crashing into a thick forest in Adansi Akrofum. Another witness told the BBC that the helicopter was flying at an "unusually low altitude" and that the weather conditions were poor. They reported hearing the sound of the helicopter passing by, followed by a loud bang.

The helicopter, a Z-9 model, was traveling from Accra to Obuasi for a state event. It crashed in the dense forest, resulting in the deaths of several key officials, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Victims of the Tragedy

In addition to the two ministers, three other civilians died in the crash. They included Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru and former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye. The army personnel who lost their lives were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The bodies of the deceased were retrieved and transported to Accra late on August 6. Samples from the remains have been sent to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

Leadership Changes Following the Tragedy

In the wake of the incident, President John Mahama appointed Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as acting Defence Minister and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as the temporary head of the Environment, Science and Technology Ministry. The presidency confirmed that the respective Finance and Lands and Natural Resources Ministers would take on these additional responsibilities, with no specific timeline provided for filling the vacant positions.

This tragic event has not only shaken the political landscape of Ghana but also highlighted the importance of safety protocols during official travel. As the nation mourns the loss of its leaders and public servants, the focus remains on ensuring such incidents do not recur in the future.