Wenchiki, August 9 — The Paramount Chief of the Wenchiki Traditional Area, Alhaji Chief Abubakari Awuffor, has joined the chorus of national voices mourning the victims of last week’s deadly military helicopter crash, describing the incident as a “devastating blow” to Ghana’s collective spirit.
In a solemn statement released to the press yesterday, the traditional leader extended heartfelt condolences to President of the Republic, the bereaved families, and the entire nation, noting that the tragedy had “touched the hearts of many” and left the country “in deep mourning.”
“We are united in grief with all Ghanaians as we reflect on the magnitude of this loss and the irreplaceable void it has created,” the statement read. The Chief underscored the emotional toll of the crash, stressing that the sorrow it brought could not be fully captured in words.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. The grief they bear is one that words alone cannot fully express, yet we want them to know they are not alone in this moment of despair,” he said, pledging the prayers and solidarity of the Wenchiki people.
Alhaji Chief Awuffor paid glowing tribute to the departed, describing their contributions and sacrifices as a lasting legacy for the nation. He lauded their courage, dedication, and service — whether in the military, civil service, or other capacities — as embodying “the highest ideals of patriotism and public service.
“They gave their time, energy, and ultimately their lives in service to Ghana, and for that, they deserve the nation’s eternal gratitude,” he declared, calling on citizens to draw inspiration from their commitment to duty.
The Paramount Chief also used the occasion to urge unity and resilience in the face of the national tragedy. “In this time of grief, we stand united with the President, the government, and the people of Ghana in prayer,” he said, appealing to the Almighty to grant eternal rest to the departed and comfort to the grieving families.
He further prayed for the healing of all those emotionally, physically, or psychologically affected by the accident, expressing hope that “peace will return to troubled hearts” and that “hope will rise again in the hearts of the grieving.”
Alhaji Chief Awuffor stressed that honouring the memory of the fallen should go beyond words. He urged Ghanaians to uphold the values for which the victims stood, saying, “Let us strengthen our resolve to live by the ideals they cherished and served.”
The helicopter crash, which claimed multiple lives, has plunged the nation into mourning, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the political, traditional, and civic spectrum. For the people of Wenchiki, as for the rest of the country, the Paramount Chief’s message was both a tribute to the fallen and a rallying call for unity in grief.
