From Tragedy to Legacy of Service

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 

The nation has wept. 

From the tragic crash of the GAF Z9 helicopter in Adansi on August 6, 2025, to the candlelight vigils, the solemn laying of sympathy flower bouquets, the funerals, and the final prayers of farewell, Ghana has walked together in grief. 

But beyond the mourning of eight gallant patriots, lies a deeper question: what lessons do we carry forward from their lives of service and sacrifice?

The crash claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians — Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

On Sunday, August 10, the nation witnessed the Islamic burials of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed. 

Five days later, on Friday, August 15, the final funerals of the remaining six drew dignitaries, party faithful, security officials, and ordinary citizens. 

Tears were shed, tributes poured, and songs of sorrow echoed. 

But amid the pain, one truth stood clear: these men lived lives that mattered.

Each of the eight lived a life of service that reminds us of the duty we owe to one another and to Ghana.

Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah embodied calm, steady leadership at the Defence Ministry, showing us that leadership is not loudness, but responsibility. 

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed tirelessly championed environmental protection, teaching us that caring for the earth is caring for the generations to come.

Samuel Aboagye and Samuel Sarpong represented grassroots commitment, reminding us that democracy thrives on those who serve their communities with passion.

Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed showed how quiet dedication to national security can preserve peace, a lesson in the unseen sacrifices that keep nations safe.

Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu, and Sergeant Mensah carried the military’s ethos of courage and duty, reminding us that patriotism often comes with silent risks.

The tributes from family, colleagues, and ordinary citizens spoke volumes. 

They were leaders, fathers, brothers, sons, mentors, and friends. 

Their lives touched classrooms, offices, villages, churches, and mosques. 

The lesson? 

That true leadership is not only about the positions we hold but about the lives we touch along the way.

Being in a position of authority is not a license to intimidate, disrespect, or look down on others. 

It is a call to serve with compassion, to treat all with equity, and to honor the dignity of every Ghanaian. 

Power, when rightly understood, is not an opportunity for corruption, but a responsibility to uplift. 

These patriots remind us that leadership must always be about service, not self.

In grief, Ghana was united.

Muslims and Christians, political allies and opponents, chiefs and youth, all stood side by side to honor them. 

The tragedy taught us that in moments of loss, our common humanity matters more than our differences.

Even as we celebrate their service, the tragedy presses another lesson: the need for stronger systems of safety, accountability, and preparedness. 

Public officials, soldiers, and citizens deserve the assurance that the nation values their lives as much as their service. 

Strengthening aviation safety, investing in infrastructure, and insisting on accountability are lessons we cannot ignore.

After the funerals and the final prayers, the wreaths will fade, the candles will burn out, and the tears will dry. 

But the legacies of these patriots remain. 

Their lives urge us to ask: how are we serving Ghana in our own spaces? 

Are we living in ways that touch lives, inspire hope, and make a difference?

In their deaths, they have given us one last gift — a reminder that greatness is not measured by how long we live, but by how well we serve.

As Ghana rises from this valley of grief, may we hold fast to the lessons of their lives: service, humanity, compassion, unity, accountability, and legacy. 

For in honoring them, we choose to live as they did with courage, with commitment, and with love for country.