NHIA CEO lays wreath for fallen heroes
By: Vivian Arthur
The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe laid a wreath at the Jubilee House to honor the eight victims of the helicopter crash, including two ministers of state.
He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Executive, Admin & Human Resource, Mr. Raphael Segkpeb; Director, Legal, Annette Obenewaa Adutwum; Acting Director, Administration, Mr. Raymond Avinu; Acting Deputy Director, Provider and Client Relations, Mrs.Hamdiya Amadu Yakubu; the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, Mrs. Nina Amoah-Buabeng, and some selected staff members.
Dr. Bampoe expressed the NHIA’s condolences to the families of the bereaved and the government of Ghana.
The ChiefExecutive, who had recently interacted with Dr. Boamah, at the African Health Sovereignty Summit, described the incident as unfathomable. “We were all at the African Health Sovereignty Summit, and Dr. Omane Boamah sat close to me, he was actually next to me. So, I cannot fathom the kind of loss and grief that this tragic incident has brought upon us”, he recalled.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Dr. Bampoe emphasized the importance of appreciating individuals while they are still serving, saying “I think we should learn lessons from it and appreciate people whilst they are serving. I mean, all of them were gallant Ghanaians who gave of their best, and they died during the course of providing service to the nation.”
He stressed the need to honor the memory of the deceased and ensure that their contributions are not forgotten. “And we should honour them, and we shouldn’t forget them. This should not be something that we should just let go of,” he added.
The wreath-laying formed part of a three-day national mourning period declared by the government.
The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Deputy Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. Samuel Aboagye, and three military personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
President, John Dramani Mahama has announced an inter-denominational state funeral to be held for the eight heroes at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Source: Vivian Arthur