Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has urged Ghanaians to be more supportive of government spending on critical national procurements, especially those related to security and safety.
Speaking at the state funeral of six victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash, Agyapong noted that citizens often resist or criticise government expenditure, even when it is in the national interest.
He recalled that during the NPP administration, proposals to purchase new aircraft were met with strong public opposition, with many describing the decision as wasteful. According to him, such attitudes discourage leaders from making bold choices that could save lives and strengthen the nation’s security.
“I want to take this opportunity to console the bereaved families, but sometimes, the nation needs to understand when the state spends money on certain things. Whenever the government decides on a project, Ghanaians start criticising. But where the government spends in a way that will help the nation, we should all agree and support it,” Agyapong said during the ceremony on Friday, August 15, 2025.
He further stressed that the tragedy should be a lesson for the country to prioritise investments in infrastructure and equipment that directly support development and safety.
“If the aircraft are old, then we need to get new ones… This helicopter was approved during President Kufuor’s time. It was supposed to be two, but they criticised it, and we had the courage to go for one,” he added.
The Z-9 military helicopter crash claimed the lives of several prominent figures, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, former Central Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Members of the crew who also perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Two Muslim victims were buried on August 10 in line with Islamic rites, while a state funeral was held for the remaining six on August 15.
