Obuasi was awash with grief on Wednesday, August 13, as residents gathered in their numbers to hold a solemn candlelight vigil in memory of the late Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, and seven others who perished in last week’s military helicopter crash.
The event, organised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency executives, drew mourners from across Obuasi East and West, cutting across political lines. Candles were lit and prayers offered as the community came together to remember the lives lost in the August 6 tragedy at Adansi Akrofuom.
At the ceremony, tributes flowed for the 34-year-old Aboagye, remembered as a rising politician, family man, and committed community leader.
Overcome with emotion, the Obuasi East NDC Chairman wept openly as he recalled his close relationship with Aboagye and spoke of his dedication to the party and the municipality.
The vigil also honoured the memory of five top government officials and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who were aboard the Z-9 helicopter when it went down.
The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, and former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Samuel Sarpong.
The ill-fated team was en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an anti-illegal mining initiative, when their aircraft crashed into a forest.
For many in Obuasi, the vigil was not just a moment of mourning but also an expression of unity and solidarity. Old and young, political allies and rivals, all gathered under candlelight to bid farewell to Aboagye, who leaves behind his wife, two daughters, and grieving family.
Government has announced a State funeral for the victims tomorrow Friday, August 15 of which they will be buried in full military honour.
