El Segundo, California – August 18, 2025 – The President of the World College of Mayors (WCM), Mayor Sheran Palacio, former Mayor of Belmopan, Belize, has issued a heartfelt message of condolence to the Government and people of Ghana following the devastating military helicopter crash that occurred on August 6, 2025. The tragedy, which has shocked the nation and drawn global sympathy, claimed the lives of eight distinguished public servants, including two cabinet ministers.
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| Sheran Palacio |
Honoring Ghana’s Fallen Leaders
In her message, President Palacio described the incident as “not only a national tragedy for Ghana but a sorrow shared by the global family of cities and mayors.”
The crash took the lives of:
• The Honourable Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
• The Honourable Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
• Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
• Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of Ghana’s Disaster Relief Agency
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot
• Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, Co-Pilot
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Crew Member
“These distinguished men served Ghana with courage, integrity, and vision,” Palacio said. “Their untimely loss is a heavy burden not only to the nation but to Africa and the world. We stand with Ghana in grief, in remembrance, and in the resilience to move forward.”
Solidarity Beyond Borders
The President emphasized that the World College of Mayors—a global network dedicated to empowering city leadership, strengthening local governance, and fostering international cooperation—remains steadfast in its support for Ghana during this time of mourning.
“We mourn with the families, we grieve with the government, and we extend the hands of solidarity from every corner of the world,” Palacio said, reaffirming the WCM’s commitment to unity and compassion across nations.
Ghana in Mourning
In Ghana, the tragedy has triggered widespread grief, with national mourning declared in honor of the victims. Tributes have poured in from across political, civic, and religious circles, underscoring the enormous impact of the loss on the nation’s governance, security, and development leadership.
Flags were flown at half-mast, and memorial services were held in Accra and across the regions. Citizens expressed shock at the deaths of Defence Minister Boamah and Environment Minister Muhammed, two leaders who had become prominent voices in Ghana’s national and international policy engagement.
Leadership of Sheran Palacio
Sheran Palacio, who became President of the World College of Mayors after serving as the Mayor of Belmopan, Belize, has been at the forefront of building bridges between local governments worldwide. Known for her advocacy on sustainable development, city diplomacy, and people-centered governance, Palacio has championed solidarity among cities in times of crisis.
Her condolence message reflects the WCM’s principle that “cities and nations are connected not only by trade and development, but also by empathy, compassion, and humanity.”
A Global Call for Resilience
Palacio concluded her message with a call for resilience, noting that Ghana’s strength as a nation has always been defined by its unity in the face of challenges. “May the memories of these esteemed individuals be a guiding light for Ghana, and may their dedication to service inspire generations to come.”
The World College of Mayors will continue to stand with Ghana, offering solidarity and support as the nation heals from this painful loss.
About the World College of Mayors
Headquartered in El Segundo, California, the World College of Mayors is an international body that brings together mayors and city leaders from across the globe. Its mission is to strengthen local governance, foster international collaboration, and promote inclusive urban development. Through summits, training programs, and city-to-city partnerships, the WCM serves as a bridge between local government leadership and global policy.
