The Minority in Parliament has cautioned against politicising the tragic military helicopter crash of August 6.
In a statement signed by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Committee on Defence and Interior, on November 12, he said the incident should serve as a lesson to every politician who has in the past turned issues of national security into partisan debates.
“Events of August 6th Disaster in hindsight, should remind every politician who disingenuously politicised military aircraft and presidential travel platforms in the past, that the Ghana Armed Forces and the safety of our people ought to be prioritised over parochial partisan politics,” the statement said.
The Minority said it was taking the “moral high ground” by refusing to politicise what it described as a sensitive Defence and Security matter of public interest.
“We, the Minority Caucus, would like to take the moral high ground and refrain from politicising such a sensitive Defence and Security matter of public interest,” it noted.
The caucus called for transparency and full disclosure of the investigation’s findings.
“The Minority Caucus expects, in the spirit of transparency and full disclosure, to receive the whole report to offer our objective and comprehensive view on the findings; not with the intent to point accusing fingers but with the poise to state our principled position and constructively support the implementation of necessary measures there-in in the best interest of our dear nation-state.”
They also demanded that government outline its next steps following the preliminary report.
“We demand that the government boldly state their position and plans relative to the Helicopter Crash Investigation Report and ultimately lead the charge in charting the way forward towards the full implementation of the report.”
Reaffirming their earlier stance, the Minority stressed that their focus remains on ensuring reforms and accountability, not partisanship.
“The Minority Caucus would like to reaffirm our earlier position to refrain from politicising the military helicopter crash and its consequential investigation report, but reiterate our commitment to pursue the implementation of the report in the best interest of the people of Ghana.”
They concluded by extending their sympathies to the bereaved families.
“Once again, the Minority Caucus extends our assurances and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families of the August 6th departed heroes.”
The statement was