Former United Nations Governance Advisor, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has described the recent passing of several high-ranking public officials as a profound national tragedy, emphasising the emotional and symbolic burden placed upon the President in such a moment of loss.
His comments come after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight gallant men on Wednesday, August 9, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The crash claimed the lives of key public servants, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohamme, NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former MP Samuel Aboagye.
The Ghana Air Force personnel crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, August 9, Professor Agyeman-Duah emphasised the scale of the sorrow shared by Ghanaians across all walks of life.
“Certainly, this tragedy is a national one,” he stated. “We tend to isolate the president because he is the leader of the country. These unfortunate souls that had departed were appointed by the president, so he must be the chief mourner, so to speak.”
His comments drew attention to the emotional burden carried by President John Mahama, who, along with First Lady Lordina Mahama, was visibly distressed during the ceremony.
“We have seen it all during their ceremony how the president and especially the First Lady, how they could not control themselves,” Professor Agyeman-Duah reflected.
Significantly, Professor Agyeman-Duah emphasised that the national response had been uniquely unifying, cutting through partisan and religious lines.
“Of course, all the people I have seen interestingly, this is non-partisan,” he remarked.
“Across the board, religious background, political background, everybody is affected by that.”
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