Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general election, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been hugely commended by a section of Ghanaians for exhibiting traits reminiscent of the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills, affectionately called Asomdwehene, King of Peace.
Dr Bawumia, Ghana’s immediate past Vice President, visited President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday, August 9, to console him over the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight hardworking Ghanaians.
As as sign of collective grief in the country, Dr Bawumia expressed his deepest condolences to President Mahama over the tragic helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025.
The former Vice President who was accompanied by officials of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and members of the previous government, also extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and the nation.
He reiterated that the loss of the officials was a national tragedy.
“This afternoon, I paid a visit to the President, H. E. John Dramani Mahama at his residence, to express my deepest condolences to him, as the nation mourns the loss of our compatriots,” Dr. Bawumia stated on his Facebook timeline.
The former Vice President also visited the family of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, to convey his sympathies over their loss.
“I also visited the family of the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah to console with them. May God, the Almighty, comfort the bereaved families,” Dr Mahama prayed.
This gesture has been described as an act of unity and statesmanship, echoing the calm, non-divisive leadership style for which Atta Mills was revered until his untimely passing in office on July 24, 2012.
It will be recalled that Dr Bawumia’s early concession in the 2024 general election was highly praised by well-meaning Ghanaians as the gesture ensured peace in the country.
Many citizens, political commentators and civil society actors have praised Dr Bawumia for maintaining a temperate and considerate political posture even in the face of partisan divides.
Professor Atta Mills was highly celebrated by many Ghanaians for avoiding inflammatory rhetoric, focusing instead on consensus-building and peaceful governance.
According to admirers, Dr Bawumia’s decision to stand with President Mahama during a moment of national grief reflects a rare maturity in contemporary politics, where ideological differences often overshadow compassion and solidarity.
Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, in a heartfelt social media post, described both President Mahama and Dr Bawumia as “amongst the finest politicians in the whole world” and commended them for providing “shining examples” during dark times.
He noted that while leaders in other parts of the world are trapped in “pointless tussles” that polarise their nations, Ghana is blessed to have two statesmen who can rise above political rivalry to unify the country when it matters most.
Mr Bentil expressed gratitude to God for giving the nation “temperate, considerate, calm-mannered, yet capable men to lead us,” urging Ghanaians not to take such leadership for granted.
The outpouring of public admiration for Dr Bawumia’s gesture underscores a wider yearning for politics anchored in mutual respect, peace and pragmatic problem-solving.
As Ghana continues to navigate its challenges, the example set by leaders like Atta Mills — and now embodied in part by Dr Bawumia — offers a vision of governance that values national cohesion over partisanship.
For many, such moments are a reminder that progress is not achieved by “slashing and condemning” opponents, but by steadily building consensus and advancing together as a united people.
Chief of Staff’s announcement
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, that the crash claimed the lives of Dr Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister and National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Vice Chairman, Dr Samuel Sarpong; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; and former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East and Deputy National NADMO Coordinator, Samuel Aboagye.
The three crew members who also perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
‘Let sorrow strengthen our resolve’
Meanwhile, President Mahama has urged Ghanaians to channel their sorrow from the recent military helicopter crash into a strengthened resolve for national unity and development.
The President made the call at an Evening of Reflections and Memorial held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday.
He expressed his deep personal sorrow for the eight victims who lost their lives in the crash.
“These were more than just names in news reports. They were dedicated public servants, united by their commitment to Ghana’s success,” he observed.
President Mahama urged the nation to mourn collectively while embracing the responsibility to heal and move forward.
He emphasised that the tragedy should serve as a poignant reminder of the critical work that remains to be done in building a stronger Ghana.
“We come together not as divided factions but as one family. This tragedy reminds us how fragile life is and how crucial it is for us to stand united in the face of loss,” President Mahama further urged.
In honouring the victims, military officers, politicians, and civil servants, President Mahama highlighted the broad impact of their service across the country.
According to him, the death of eight compatriots, is a “call on us all to renew our dedication to building the Ghana they envisioned: a nation of justice, opportunity, and prosperity for all.”
President Mahama also underscored the importance of focusing on facts and prevention, warning against blame and division.
Referencing a recent tragic accident that claimed the lives of 15 young church members, he highlighted the recurring challenges Ghana faces and the resilience required to overcome them.
“As we mourn, let us commit ourselves to healing and rebuilding. “Let their memories inspire us to act with courage, innovation, and shared purpose,” President Mahama pleaded.
With the official mourning period coming to an end, the President announced that the burial of the victims would begin imminently, with support pledged for the families affected.
President Mahama concluded his address by quoting a poem by Professor Kofi Awoonor, envisioning a peaceful journey beyond life and encouraging Ghanaians to honour the legacy of those lost.
“May this moment of sorrow unite us in a common resolve to build a stronger Ghana,” he concluded.
