Helicopter crash comment: I spoke out of pain; I’m sorry – Akpaloo apologises
Kofi Akpaloo, the founder and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), has expressed his sincere regret to Ghanaians and the families of the eight people killed in the military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District on August 6, 2025.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Akpaloo acknowledged that his earlier remarks were unpleasant and ill-timed, but he clarified that they were made during a period of intense emotional anguish.
“I am not happy at all, and I feel terrible that my comments caused pain to many people and families. I am sincerely sorry and ask for their forgiveness,” he said.
He revealed that the tragedy struck him personally, as one of the victims, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, was a close associate.
“My brother Omane Boamah is not someone I can betray. I was devastated when I heard of his passing. My reaction came from the pain of knowing that people are dying almost every day in this country, and we seem to have normalised it.
“We have lost many through road accidents, and yet we don’t value lives enough. That frustration and sorrow are what came out in my words,” Mr. Akpaloo clarified.
Dr. Boamah and seven other people, including Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, perished in the incident.
The deceased also included NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and three members of the Air Force: Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, and Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu.
When the Z-9 helicopter lost radar contact while traveling to Obuasi, a quick military search was initiated. Following the retrieval of the aircraft’s black box, investigations are still underway.
In order to do forensic DNA analysis, the victims’ bodies have been shipped to South Africa.
