Ghana Psychological and Psychiatric Associations urge media sensitivity after deadly helicopter crash
In the wake of the devastating military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two cabinet ministers, the Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) and the Psychiatric Association of Ghana (PAG) have jointly called for media restraint and public sensitivity in covering the tragedy.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, August 7, the associations expressed deep sorrow over the national loss and warned against the potential psychological damage caused by the circulation of graphic images or insensitive commentary.
“As mental health professionals, we recognise the far-reaching psychological impact such a loss can have on families, colleagues, institutions, and the wider Ghanaian society,” the statement read.
“In these moments of shared grief, we urge all individuals, especially staff of the affected ministries, friends, and the public, to seek psychological support if needed.”
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, involved a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter. Among the deceased were:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Aboagye, Former Parliamentary Candidate
- Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, co-pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, flight engineer
The victims’ remains have been transported to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, where further arrangements are underway.
President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning from Thursday, August 7 to Saturday, August 9, allowing the nation to reflect on the profound loss.
In response to the sudden vacancies in his cabinet, the President has made interim appointments:
- Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance, will act as Minister for Defence.
- Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, will act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
These appointments were announced in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Separately, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash, as speculation mounts about the incident that has plunged the nation into mourning.
Comments (0)