Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has urged the media to handle coverage of the Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter crash with sensitivity and empathy, especially towards the bereaved families.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, killing eight people, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The officials were travelling to a national event when the tragedy struck.
--Advertisements--
Other victims were Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, National Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In a Facebook post, Sarkodie warned against prioritising speed over compassion in journalism.
--Advertisements--
“Wanting to be the first to get exclusives all in the name of content can make you inhumane… Be human first,” he wrote.
Following the crash, President John Dramani Mahama declared three days of national mourning, ordered all flags to fly at half-mast, and cancelled his public events for the rest of the week.
Memorial events began on Thursday, August 7, with a public laying of flowers and candle lighting at the Ceremonial Garden in front of Jubilee House. The remembrance continues on Friday, and will conclude on Saturday, August 9, with a national event titled “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” at the Forecourt of the State House.