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Coconut Federation-Ghana mourns eight victims of helicopter crash

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Kwaku Boateng (Director, African Coconut Group & 2nd Vice-president, Coconut Federation of Ghana)

The Coconut Federation-Ghana has joined the nation in mourning the loss of eight prominent Ghanaians in last week’s tragic helicopter crash.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2025, and signed by Kwaku Boateng, the Vice President of the Federation, it said it was “deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss,” describing the deceased, which included cabinet ministers, senior National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials and military personnel as individuals who “greatly contributed to the governance, security and development of our cherished nation.”

The Coconut Federation-Ghana extended its condolences to the government and bereaved families, “especially their wives, children and loved ones, who now carry the heavy weight of this irreplaceable loss.”

“They soared in the service of our nation, guardians whose courage and discipline were matched only by their love for Ghana.

“Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder that the price of peace is often paid in silence by the brave, whose hearts beat for our safety until their final breath.”

The crash of the Z-9 helicopter, which belonged to the Ghana Armed Forces, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Others who perished were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna; former Central Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong; and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.

Members of the helicopter’s crew were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Omane Boamah’s Family Rejects Uncoordinated NDC Youth Vigil In Koforidua

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ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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NDC

The family of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has formally requested the Eastern Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to cancel its planned candlelight vigil in Koforidua, citing a lack of consultation.

The vigil, scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2025, was intended to honour the memory of Dr. Boamah and the seven others who tragically perished in last week’s military helicopter crash, however, the Mponua family to which the late minister belonged has raised concerns that the event was organized without their knowledge or input, despite being located near the family residence.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Nana Adusi Pokua Antwiwaa II, Queenmother of Effiduase (Mponuahemaa), disclosed that a similar vigil had already been planned by the family and the Effiduase Traditional Council for Saturday, August 16.“Many tributes and memorials are being organized nationwide in honour of Dr. Omane Boamah and the other fallen heroes.

However, any events in Koforidua where his family resides must be carried out with our full knowledge and consent,” she stated.She urged the NDC youth wing to postpone their vigil and join the officially recognized program led by the traditional authorities, emphasizing the need for unity and respect in this moment of national mourning.

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the only child of his mother, was a native of Koforidua-Effiduase, where he had his early education before rising through the ranks of public service to become Ghana’s Defence Minister. The tragic helicopter crash also claimed the lives of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.

The rest were Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.While expressing appreciation for the outpouring of national grief and solidarity, the family reiterated their commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure a dignified and coordinated farewell.“We welcome all efforts to honour our beloved son, but we ask that they reflect respect, unity, and proper coordination,” the statement concluded.

Seven Nigerians Grabbed! … For Attempting To Acquire Ghana Card Through Fraudulent Means

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BERNICE BESSEY
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A sample of Ghana Card

The Circuit Court at Dansoman, a suburb of Accra presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of seven Nigerian nationals who are facing criminal charges for allegedly providing false information to acquire Ghana National Identification Cards.

The accused persons – Ibrahim Mohammed, Danjuma Yakubu, Abubakar Saidu, Abubakar Muktar, Abubakar Nuru, Abubakar Rabiu Muhammed and Abubakar Lawal – failed to appear before the court on July 30, 2025 prompting the court to grant the prosecution’s request for their arrest.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Portia Nuarko, argued that the accused had deliberately absented themselves despite being aware of the scheduled court date.

Her Honour, upon considering the prosecution’s submission and the seriousness of the offences, granted the request, stating “upon consideration of the submission of the prosecution and the nature of the alleged facts surrounding the offences, the prayer of the prosecution is accordingly granted. Let a bench warrant be issued for the arrest of all accused persons.”

Charges against the Accused

The seven individuals are facing two counts: Count One: Providing False Information to National Identification Officials – contrary to Section 40(1)(a) of the National Register Act, 2008 (Act 750). Count Two: Defrauding by False Pretences – contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

According to the facts before the court, on July 14, 2025, the accused visited the National Identification Authority (NIA) Office at Ayawaso East, where they allegedly submitted falsified documents and information in a bid to obtain Ghana Cards under false pretences.

Eric Ewudzie Arthur, an Assistant Administrative Officer at the NIA Ayawaso East Center, is the Complainant in the matter. He alerted the police after detecting inconsistencies in the documentation provided by the accused.

The police responded swiftly and arrested all seven accused persons at the NIA office. Their application forms, supporting documents, and Oath of Identity forms were seized. Investigations revealed that the accused arrived in Ghana just a day earlier, on July 13, 2025 and were lodging in a hotel with no known relatives in the country.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to providing false information in their statements to the police. They were subsequently charged and brought before the Circuit Court, where they now face prosecution.

With the issuance of the bench warrant, the accused are now considered fugitives. Security agencies are expected to launch a manhunt for their immediate arrest and presentation before the court.

IGP Breaks Ground For New 60-Bed Ward At Police Hospital

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IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, (with shovel in hand) performing the ground breaking as the Director General of Police Welfare, COP, Mr Iddi Lansah demonstrates his skills on another tool.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Monday broke ground for the construction of a 60-bed ward at the Police Hospital to boost its capacity.

Addressing hospital staff and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) at the project site, IGP Yohuno explained that the six-month project will be funded through the Police Welfare Fund, alongside special appeals to corporate institutions, benevolent organisations and individuals who benefit from the Police’s 24-hour operational services.

Police boss appealing to corporate bodies, benevolent organizations and individuals for all-hands-on-deck

The IGP recounted that during a recent visit by POMAB members to a colleague on admission at the hospital, they observed the acute congestion in the wards. This prompted the decision to construct an additional ward, with the Medical Director facilitating the release of land for the project.

“When in active service, one can choose to seek medical attention from various facilities, but in retirement, resources may not always be available to access the care needed,” IGP Yohuno said and added that, “this is why it is important to improve our own facility to serve personnel and retirees alike.”

He stressed that the atmosphere within a hospital can significantly influence recovery, making it crucial to support this vision until it is realised.

IGP Yohuno noted that the hospital’s strategic location, close to many retired police officers and civil servants makes the expansion necessary.

He emphasised the critical role the Police Hospital plays, alongside the 37 Military Hospital, in delivering medical care to the public, especially during times when industrial actions shut down other facilities.

POMAB members and some of the hospital staff ready at the site of the project.

The IGP expressed optimism that the project would be completed on schedule, easing the strain on patients and staff, who have long operated under limited bed capacity.

Established in 1976 to serve police personnel and their families, the Police Hospital has evolved into a vital healthcare provider for the wider community.

The first Medical Director, Dr. Andah, played a key role in shaping the facility’s early years. Today, with 120 beds, it serves not only police personnel and their dependents, but also accident victims, destitute individuals and residents of surrounding low-income communities in Accra.

The current Medical Director, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Dr. Otu Nyarko, praised the initiative and appealed to well-meaning Ghanaians to contribute to the project’s success. “The police protect life and property 24 hours a day. Ensuring the health of personnel is critical to delivering on this mandate,” he said, adding that the hospital also provides free medical care to vulnerable individuals, including suspects under investigation and convicted prisoners.

DCOP George Ankobil, Secretary of the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO), welcomed the project, expressing hope that the new administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of both serving and retired personnel.

He revealed that NARPO has about 10,000 members, including 2,000 widows, some of whose husbands died in active service.

Apostle Kwadwo Safo Is Alive And Healthy –Adwoa Safo

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Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka

Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya and head of the Safo family, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has debunked online reports claiming that her father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka has died.

 

In a strongly worded statement, Adwoa Safo described the publications, which appeared on some online portals, including connectghananews.com as “false, malicious and deeply insensitive.” She stressed that Apostle Safo is “alive, in good health and going about his normal duties.

 

“These death hoaxes are reckless and disrespectful. I am warning all those behind these publications to retract and apologise immediately, or we will not hesitate to seek redress in court.”

 

She cautioned bloggers and media outlets against spreading unverified information and urged them to issue public rejoinders to correct the false claims.

Adwoa Safo also revealed that Apostle Safo will celebrate his birthday on 30th August, 2025 with the family and Kristo Asafo Church is preparing a grand celebration in his honour.

 

She encouraged the public to ignore the false reports and rely only on credible sources for updates about her father’s wellbeing.

African political parties advised to prioritise development over electoral gains

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Professor-Naana-Jane-Opoku-Agyemang

African political parties must focus on addressing social and economic challenges rather than solely pursuing electoral victories, President Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe has said.

Speaking at the opening of the African Political Parties Summit in Accra, President Vila Nova called on parties to build resilient economies, promote social justice, and strengthen state institutions.

“It is time to change… the role of political parties must evolve from instruments of gaining power to true platforms for promoting economic growth.

“It is no longer sufficient to organise elections and compete for power; political parties must become engine of national transformation, drivers of sustainable economic development, and warrantors of ethical and inclusive governance,” he stated.

President Vila Nova cited population growth and climate change as key challenges and emphasised the role of political parties in promoting good governance, quality education, and youth entrepreneurship.

“Good governance and development do not happen by chance. They are the outcome of clear vision, sound policies, and the ability to mobilise people around shared goals, and this must begin with political parties themselves,” he said.

President Vila Nova urged political leaders to act as “effective mediators between the state and society” and build “a common continental vision,” adding: “If we get the politics right, everything else will follow.”

The three-day summit, organised by the Africa Governance Centre in partnership with the Government of Ghana, brought together delegates from over 160 political parties and 50 African and Caribbean countries.

Held under the theme “From Politics to Prosperity: Strengthening Inter-Party Collaboration for Africa’s Development and Economic Transformation,” the summit aimed to promote dialogue, consensus-building, and inter-party cooperation.

Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, in her address, called for governance that positively impacts citizens.

“…Power is transient but the nation endures. Partisan victories mean very little if they are achieved at the expense of national cohesion…

“Our people do not ask us to perform politics for its sake. They deserve politics that translate into full security, decent jobs, functional schools, accessible healthcare, infrastructure and justice… African politics can be more than a struggle for power; it can be a framework for progress,” she stated.

Mr. Fiifi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) urged leaders to exercise power with humility and respect divergent views.

“We cannot, under the guise of democracy continue to behave in a manner that clearly shows that we do not believe in democracy… Leadership is not about how to prevent others from having power but how to focus on delivering for our people,” he said.

The summit also saw the adoption of the implementation framework of the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI), a flagship platform for sustained inter-party engagement and capacity development.

Helicopter Tragedy: Mahama announces Fund in support of victims’ children   

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The late Alhaji Muniru Limuna

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Government will set up a programme for creating a fund that will assist with the education of the children of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025 helicopter tragedy.

The President made the announcement at Maaijor, near Accra, during the Islamic funeral (adua) of Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator and one of the eight victims of the helicopter tragedy.

“It’s a difficult calamity. Because if you look at all those who died, they were at the prime of their lives and had so much responsibility,” he said.

“Children still in school, and some even with infants as young as two months. The pilot’s child is two months old and these responsibilities are what we have to take up.”

The President said, to make sure that the absence of the parents do not adversely affect the innocent children, the Government would set up a Fund to support them.

He said the Government would hold a state funeral on Friday, August 15, 2025 for all the eight victims of the helicopter tragedy.

“And at the funeral we will announce a program for creating a fund that will assist with the education of their children. And so on Friday I’ll announce the details of that,” he said.

This, the President said would enable persons who want to contribute for the future of the children they had left behind would have the opportunity to do so.

“We’ve been grieving for almost a week. But we’re transitioning from grieving to accepting that what has happened is real and that it is God’s will. Sometimes we want to question why God does certain things,” he said.

“But as the Quran says in Surah Al-Baqarah, it says ‘indeed it is from him we came and it is to him we shall return’.

“The Quran too says every man shall taste of death. And so we’ve reached the stage where we accept that Allah has taken them back.”

The President eulogized Alhaji Limuna for his devotion to Allah. He described the late Alhaji Limuna as a hardworking and diligent person.

“…And for me, I say, where am I going to get a replacement for him? Because he was virtually my personal assistant. You could call Muniru at 1:00am in the night and tell him, Muniru, go to Yendi or go to Damongo. He won’t hesitate, he won’t wait till morning. He will set up that same night and go and perform the errand that you have sent him to perform,” the President said.

“When we were making appointments, his appointment was among the last. And people kept asking, why is it that AlhajiLimuna is closer to you and you have not given him an appointment yet? And I told him, when you are sharing food in the house, you serve the strangers first, before you serve the family members. So he should exercise patience.”

President Mahama said two weeks ago AlhajiLimunawas appointed as Deputy National Security Coordinator in-charge of human security.

He said the helicopter trip, during which he met his untimely death was virtually his first public assignment, where he was selected to represent National Security at the Responsible and Cooperative Mining Programme.

“He was supposed to have gone by road. And he was not a person who liked to travel by air. But the information got to him late. And so he was told there was a helicopter going and there was space for him.

“And he boarded the helicopter. And that was to be his last journey. But like we say, it is God who gives and God who takes.

“And so we have no questions for God. We accept what he has done. What we have to do is to work even harder in their memories.”

The eight distinguished Ghanaians who lost their lives while on an official duty in the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash at AdansiAkrofuom in the Ashanti Region include; Dr Edward Kofi OmaneBoamah, Minister for Defence; AlhajiDrMurtalaMuhammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology.

Others are AlhajiMuniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Mr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress and Mr Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

The rest are Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer TwumAmpadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all of the Ghana Air Force.

GNA

Takoradi-Amanful chief constructs 4 more boreholes for subjects

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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One of the four boreholes commissioned in Takoradi

Takoradi-Amanful chief, Nana Obo Atta Kojo Essoun III, is a  development oriented chief  looking at the speed  he is spreading development projects across his traditional area.
After funding the construction of a borehole project to serve the people of Amanful, Nana has fulfilled another promise he personally made to construct boreholes in all communities under his traditional area.
At the weekend, four boreholes were commissioned on behalf of Nana Obo Atta Kojo Essoun III to serve four areas under his traditional jurisdiction.

The areas are Police Central Reserve, Central Police Station, the New Market and the last one behind the SSNIT building.
Obaahema Effiekesim Mansa IV, Queen mother of Amanful commissioned the four boreholes on behalf of Nana Obo Atta Kojo Essoun III.

Amanor Abbas Teteh, a member of the royal Ebiradze Family, explaining the rationale behind the project said, it was no doubt access to water in Takoradi was challenging. As a result, Nana Oboo Atta Kojo Essoun saw it befitting to construct boreholes in every traditional area under his jurisdiction.
This project, he explained, was the seventh developmental project the chief had undertaken since his instalment in January, 2025.

W/R Minister mourns with wife of fallen soldier in Cape Coast

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Joseph Nelson leading Military delegation to commiserate with grieving widow, family

Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, after announcing the tragic death of Flying Officer Twum Ampabu to the Military hierarchy in Takoradi, followed up to Cape Coast to commiserate with the wife of the fallen officer.
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, who was among the eight individuals who lost their lives in the incident on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 was stationed at the Takoradi Air Force Base.

His wife, Lieutenant Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, serves as a Psychologist at the 2nd Garrison Western Naval Command in Sekondi.
Regional Minister Joseph Nelson paid a visit, offering words of comfort to the grieving wife and commanding officers at the Western Naval Command during this unimaginably tough time.

According to the Minister, all three crew members involved in the incident were from the Takoradi Air Force Base.

“We’ve come to offer comfort to the wife of Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, one of our crew members, during this incredibly difficult time. It’s a struggle to find the right words, but all we can say is that we pray God’s strength sustains the families”.
It is unimaginable how they’re feeling. Even for us, the Minister added it was hard to put into words the pain of seeing our sister in this state.
“The families of Dr. Omane Boama, Murtala Mohammad, Dr. Samuel Sarpong …it’s all so sad. You go out to serve your nation, expecting to return, but today… it’s just been a heartbreaking day.”

Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Samuel Agalezano, who received the Minister and his delegation at the base, described the day as a sombre Wednesday.
He expressed shock upon receiving the distressing news. “Today has been a sombre Wednesday for Ghana, and this Garrison is no exception.

“It was a devastating day when I received the news and I’m sure we all share the same sentiment. Our sister is understandably distraught and we’re doing our best to offer comfort”.
Given her husband’s involvement in the accident, the pain is even more profound, he added.
He appreciated the Regional Minister, the Garrison Commander, for coming  to lend a supportive hand in consoling her.
The Minister and his entourage continued their journey to Cape Coast to pay a solemn visit to the wife of Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Upon arrival at the Kofi and Ama House in Cape Coast, the delegation of top military and security officials was met with wailing family members. They commiserated with the family of Sergeant Ernest Mensah Addo, who recently got married to his wife on July 5, 2025.
Methodist Bishop of Cape Coast Diocese, Rt. Rev. Richardson Andem, who represented the family received the delegation, spoke fondly of Sergeant Ernest Mensah Addo, having officiated their wedding a month ago.

The delegation was also accompanied by members of the Air Force Wives Organisation. Sisiana Amoah, sister to the widow, expressed gratitude on behalf of the family to the Regional Minister and his team for their condolences.

Trader jailed 5 years for stealing GH¢130K from Seamstress to gamble on aviator

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Jailed

The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by His Honour Isaac Addo, has sentenced a 29-year-old trader, Boniface Zuur, to five years imprisonment for stealing GH¢130,000 from a seamstress, under the pretext of safeguarding her funds, which he later confessed to using to gamble on the Aviator online betting game.

The accused, a mobile money (MoMo) merchant, residing at Maamobi in the Greater Accra Region, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to stealing contrary to Section 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The court found him guilty of dishonestly appropriating money entrusted to him by the complainant, identified as Yussif Zoogah, a seamstress and cloth trader who lives in the same house.

According to the prosecution, led by Inspector Vivian T. Gyabaah, the incident occurred in May 2025 when the complainant, fearing she might fall victim to mobile money fraudsters, sought assistance from the accused. This was after receiving calls from scammers.

She authorised Zuur to withdraw cash from her MoMo account and keep it safely on her behalf, with the understanding that she would collect the money later when needed.

Over several transactions, Zuur withdrew a total of GH¢130,000.

However, on July 9, 2025 when the complainant approached him to retrieve the money, he admitted to having spent it all on Aviator, a popular online betting platform.

A complaint was immediately lodged at the Kotobabi Police Station. Following his arrest by No. 51090 D/CPL Senyo Mawusi, Zuur confessed in his caution statement to using the funds to gamble. He was subsequently charged and brought before the court.

Delivering the sentence, His Honour Isaac Addo noted the breach of trust and the growing concern over online gambling among the youth, stating that a custodial sentence was necessary to serve as a deterrent. Zuur will serve his five-year sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.

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