Ghanaian lawyer and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has called for calm and discipline as the nation comes to terms with a military helicopter crash that claimed ten lives, including senior government officials.
The Convener of the Fix the Country Movement urged that investigations into the disaster be guided by fact and rigorous analysis, rather than speculation or emotional outbursts.
“Investigating the causes of the accident, and determining how as a society we move forward must not be left to speculation and half-baked theory propounders,” Barker-Vormawor wrote on Facebook.
“This is not the time for emotive grandstanding. We need rigour.”
His remarks come in line with President John Mahama’s appeal for unity and restraint in the aftermath of the tragedy. In a televised address on Thursday, the President urged citizens to rise above political divides and avoid exploiting the disaster for partisan gain.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring,” he said.
“It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else has failed.”
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the helicopter lost contact with air traffic control on Wednesday, 6 August, during a flight from Accra to Obuasi. It was later discovered to have crashed, killing all on board.
Those who perished include Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former MP Samuel Aboagye.
The aircrew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
As the nation grieves, the investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway, with both government and civil society leaders urging patience until the facts are established.
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