Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment Dr. Rashid Pelpuo have eulogized the eight victims of Z9 helicopter crash en route to Obuasi from Accra for a national assignment.

The fatal, tragic helicopter crash has claimed the live of all eight onboard which include two cabinet minister – Dr. Omane Boamah, defence minister and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala, Environment minister.

In a somber state, Dr. Pelpuo painted a gloomy picture and underscored the gravity of the tragic loss for Ghana. Eulogizing the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala, the minister recalled how they first met when he was a sports minister and Murtala had to him to look for employment.

“Murtala was committed to whatever he believes in, and as a member of our party, he could criticize from both ends when things aren’t right. I got to know him for his true talk and dire desire to genuinely see the progress of Ghana. This is a very terrible moment in Ghana, the most we’ve experienced in peacetime,” a sober Dr. Pelpuo stated.

The others who lost their lives were; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Samuel Sarpong and National Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC, Mr. Samuel Aboagye.

The military officers involved were; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The remains of these eight fallen heroes have since been flown to South Africa for DNA testing an forensic audit.

As the nation awaits the DNA test, forensic audits and investigation on the cause of the the Z9 helicopter crash, President John Dramani has announced that state funeral for the victims will be held on August 15 at Black star Square. He also emphasized the need for Ghanaians to unite in grief rather than division and party politics