Astute Ghanaian playwright and motivational speaker, Uncle Ebo Whyte has mourned the tragic loss of 8 lives following the helicopter crash on August 6.
Taking to his official Facebook page, he wrote;
“Wednesday afternoon, my intercom rang. It was Elsie, Head of Operations at Roverman. She began by asking, “Uncle, are you OK?”
I found the question odd. I know my adopted children and staff are concerned about my health, but it is unusual for any of them to call and begin with “Are you OK?” The manner that the question was asked told me that Elsie was preparing me for a bombshell.
And what a bombshell it was.
She said, “Uncle, breaking news—a military helicopter has crashed on its way to Obuasi.”
The news hit me hard. “Who was on board?” I asked.
“So far, the only name mentioned is Honourable Dr. Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence.”
Time froze for me. “No,No, No!”
Immediately, my mind went back to a moment Dr. Omane Boamah and I shared. It was at the British Council, during the book launch of When Men Slept by Josephine Ashia—the first female SRC President at the University of Ghana and one of my adopted daughters. I had helped publish the book and was there to review it. Dr. Omane Boamah, himself a former student leader, was on the programme.
Before things started, we struck up a conversation. I asked, “Have you thought of writing a book about your experiences in politics and governance?” He had seen a lot for someone so young, and I lamented how Ghanaian politicians often leave office without documenting anything to guide those coming after them.
He smiled and said, “Uncle, I’m actually writing a book.”
I was thrilled. “When the manuscript is ready,” I told him, “I’d be honoured to help with the editing and publishing. I want to put my experience at your service to make it world-class.”
He was touched. “That would be amazing. I’ll send it to you.”
But after the programme, he came to me quietly and said, “Uncle, I’ve thought deeply about your offer. You occupy a sacred, apolitical space in our nation. Both sides of the political divide trust your voice. If I allow you to help me with this book, it might taint you with my politics. And Ghana can’t afford to lose your neutrality. So, as grateful as I am, I have to decline.”
I was stunned—and moved. How rare it is for a politician to show such selflessness. He didn’t want to exploit my voice. He wanted to protect it. That moment earned him my deepest respect.
I left that event believing he had the heart and integrity to be president one day. He was that promising.
So the news of his passing and that of the other 7 gallant me has been extremely difficult. It still is. I haven’t been able to shake it off. What a loss. Ghana has lost a true son. A leader. A potential president. As far as I’m concerned, Wednesday should go down as one of the darkest days in our nation’s recent history.
And I also mourn the others who perished with him:
Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Mutala Mohammed
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna
Dr. Samuel Sarpong
Mr. Samuel Aboagye
And the gallant crew:
Squadron Leader Peter Bafeme Anala
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
May God grant them eternal rest and comfort the families left behind. If I, a stranger to some of them, feel shattered, how much more their loved ones?
God is raising a crop of young people for this nation in leadership. I pray that may God protect every one of them. May none of them lose their lives before their time. There is so much potential in some of the young people that have become stars in our politics. May God protect them. We need them. We can’t continue to lose wonderful people in this manner.
I also pray that Lord teach us to number our days. That we may live wisely. Love deeply. Serve You and our country wholeheartedly.
Can I have an amen to that?
