Religious leaders have urged Ghanaians to uphold the values of service, faith and sacrifice demonstrated by eight public officials who died in a military helicopter crash.
The report indicates that religious leaders have urged Ghanaians to uphold the values of service, faith and sacrifice demonstrated by eight public officials who died in a military helicopter crash.
It further notes that they stated the best way to honour the memory of the victims was to emulate their commitment to duty and contribute to national development and peace.
The call was made during the National Interfaith Memorial Service for the “Departed 8” held in Accra on Thursday, one year after the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that claimed their lives.
The service, held on the theme: “Lives of Service, Legacies of Sacrifice,” brought together government officials, security chiefs, religious leaders, traditional authorities, families of the deceased and members of the public to commemorate the victims.
Delivering the Christian sermon, Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode, Director General of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces, stated the lives of people who served with faith and commitment provided examples for future generations.
Citing Hebrews 11:4, he stated although Abel died thousands of years ago, his life of faith continued to “speak” through the testimony of his righteous deeds.
Brig. Gen. Kumi-Woode stated the legacy of the fallen officials should remind Ghanaians that true greatness was measured by service, humility and obedience to God rather than material possessions or public recognition.
He stated the victims demonstrated loyalty, professionalism, patriotism and dedication to duty, with some making the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation.
“Their legacy should inspire us to serve the nation with integrity and dedication in our respective fields. Let’s focus on the values instead of material possessions because while wealth fades, a life of faith, honesty and selfless service continue to influence generations,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Kumi-Woode prayed for eternal peace for the departed, strength for their families and continued unity, stability and peace for the country.
The eight victims were Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress.
The others were Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation; Wing Commander Peter Bafemi Anala; Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Air Force.
Family representatives paid tribute to their relatives, recalling their contributions to public service and describing the past year as a period marked by grief, reflection and reliance on faith.
“While the past year has been marked by deep grief and loss, God has sustained us with strength, comfort, and hope. Though we deeply miss our beloved fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers, we remain grateful for the lives they lived, the service they rendered to Ghana, and the enduring legacies they left behind,” stated Charles Ohene Nti,who spoke on behalf of the family of the late Dr Omane Boamah, said:
