Following the crash of the Z9 helicopter belonging to the Ghana Armed Forces on August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others, some Ghanaians have faced criticism for their commentary on the incident.
The crash, described as a “Black Wednesday” that plunged the nation into mourning, was interpreted by some as political punishment.
Here are three individuals who have received backlash for their comments;
Founder and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, came under heavy criticism for remarks many described as insensitive and disrespectful to the memory of the deceased and their grieving families.
Akpaloo attributed the crash to divine intervention, suggesting that its location, on a cocoa farm, was symbolic, reminding politicians not to lie to cocoa farmers.
He referenced the government’s promise to increase cocoa prices from GH¢3,100 to GH¢6,000, which he claimed was not entirely fulfilled.
“God is not asleep. Do you know where the accident happened? It happened inside the cocoa farm. The same farmers they lied to that they would increase the price. That is where it happened,” he said.
This sparked outrage, with many calling for him to retract his comments and apologise.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, August 8, 2025, Akpaloo admitted that his remarks were ill-timed and hurtful, explaining they were made in a moment of deep emotional distress.
“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 he was devastated by the crash, particularly because one of the victims, Dr Omane Boamah, was a close associate.
Former presidential candidate of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, also received backlash after questioning the decision to allow the helicopter’s pilot, whom he claimed was a novice, to fly such a mission.
Speaking on Metro TV, Mornah said, “This must be investigated. It could be deliberate; it could also be a mistake. So, let’s get to the bottom of the matter.
“I remember when Samson Oje was Chief of Army Staff, he would personally pilot President Mills and later President Mahama. I also recall two occasions when he piloted the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. You would want some of the finest to do these things.
“If we don’t take the finest to transport our leaders, and perhaps we take a novice, I don’t know his level of proficiency in piloting, then this is worrying.
“I don’t know why anybody who lost his wife less than one month ago would be asked to take a plane. Even driving a car in such a state is traumatic. All these things must be investigated so we can get to the bottom of it.”
Many Ghanaians considered the statement an insult to the late pilot and the deceased.
“Now we want to insult the pilot just because he is young?” one social media user wrote.
“You talk as if the fluid that surrounds your brain is little. Do you think the relatives of the pilot will be okay with this nonsense you’re spewing? Death is death, stop this game,” another said.
3.Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah
Media personality Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has also been criticised after describing President John Dramani Mahama‘s return to power as a “disaster”.
Speaking on his show, Afrifa accused Mahama of being a “bad omen” whenever he is in office.
“Dome market people were discussing Mahama’s return to power, and they said that when John Mahama came to power, Melcom collapsed, killing people. In the June 3 disaster, about 120 died. Also, the Upper East bus collision, in which about 70 people died.”
“So, I told them not to say those things. So, John, pray because it seems whenever you come to power, strange things happen, Okatakyie noted on his show.
He referenced past disasters that occurred during Mahama’s first term and linked them to his current tenure, questioning why such uncertainties” happen only when he is president.
Too much talking can sometimes make you foolish, a social media user said.
Stop playing nonsense, another added.
The helicopter crash occurred while the delegation was on its way to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) at Black Park, near the Obuasi Len Clay Sports Stadium in the Ashanti Region.
The victims included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, Ghana Air Force and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Ghana Air Force.