Asantehene Calls for End to Politicization of Aircraft Procurement

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has called on political leaders to refrain from turning the procurement of a presidential plane and military helicopters into partisan debate, urging them to treat such matters as issues of national interest.

Speaking at the Manhyia Palace during a visit by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Asantehene made the remarks in the wake of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight people on board, including two Cabinet Ministers — Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

The Overlord of the Asante Kingdom expressed his condolences to President John Dramani Mahama and the bereaved families, describing the issue of aircraft acquisition as one of “national concern.”

“Enough of the politicising of the purchase of presidential planes and helicopters. Human lives are at stake here. We must invest to safeguard their safety and efficiency,” he stated.

Otumfuo stressed that most of the military aircraft currently in use are not in optimal condition, emphasising the need for Ghana to invest in modern, reliable alternatives to improve state security. He appealed to both sides of the political divide to work together to address the nation’s aviation and security logistics challenges in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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The victims of the crash were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP), Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — all of whom, the Asantehene noted, served Ghana with “distinction and dedication.”

While Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna were buried on Sunday, August 10, the remaining six victims will be laid to rest on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Source: African Publicity