Accra, Ghana – August 12, 2025 — In the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Environment Minister Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and seven other government officials, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has made a heartfelt appeal for national unity, empathy, and reflection.
“This country needs to heal,” Hon. Gomashie said solemnly, urging Ghanaians to re-examine their actions and the nature of political discourse in the country. “We must reflect on our actions, whether they are helping or harming our nation. We cannot continue to politicize tragedies. We need to bow our heads in shame and learn from the lives and sacrifices of these gallant men.”
Referring to both the late Hon. Mutala Mohammed and Hon. Edward Omane Boamah, who also perished in the crash, she added, “They lived as true Ghanaians and exemplified what we should all strive to do, show empathy for one another, serve our country with integrity, and avoid attacks or dishonesty in the name of politics.”
Calling on citizens to embrace the spirit of compassion, she further stated, “Let us be the Ghanaians the world knows us to be—empathetic and united,” emphasizing that personal and political divisions must not overshadow national cohesion and shared humanity.
The emotional remarks were made at the Ministry of Environment’s conference room, where Hon. Gomashie signed the Book of Condolence in honour of her late colleague. She was accompanied by her Deputy, Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mrs. Efua Hoadjetou, and her Deputy, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey. Also present were the Deputy Minister for Communication, digital technology and innovation, Hon. Sukparu Adams Mohammed Sissala, Chief Director of MoTCCA , Mr. Joseph Kwasi Amoah, and Mr. Divine Owusu Ansah, Director of Culture and Creative Arts.
Visibly shaken, Hon. Gomashie recounted her final conversation with the late Minister, which took place just a day before the accident. “He looked at me and said, ‘I will shock you. I am going to the Ashanti Region—when I return, you’ll see the things I’ve done for you,’” she recalled emotionally.
The news of the crash reached her while she was on her way to finalizing arrangements for her own father’s funeral. A call from the Director of Culture prompted her to check the flight manifest. “I quickly went to Murtala’s page, and I was shattered,” she shared.
The tragic passing of eight government officials in the line of duty has sparked a wave of mourning and introspection across Ghana. Leaders and citizens alike are paying tribute to the memory of the departed, while echoing the Tourism Minister’s call for empathy, unity, and national healing.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku – Public Relations Unit-MoTCCA
