At the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) general assembly held on Friday August 8, 2025, assembly members took turns to emotionally eulogise Hon. Dr. Samuel Sarpong, who was among the eight persons who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday at Sikaman near Obuasi.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the helicopter crash claimed the lives of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment; and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator while on duty trip to Obuasi.
Others were Dr. Samuel Sarpong; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Director of NADMO; an
Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
Hon. Sarpong was the Mayor of Kumasi from May 22, 2009, to April 2013, and was later appointed as the Ashanti Regional Minister.
He was described in the meeting as a quintessential leader whose leadership qualities transcended partisan considerations.
Hon. Abraham Boadi fondly known as ‘ Opooman’, assembly member for Ridge-Nhyiaeso Electoral Area described the deceased former Mayor as a leader par excellence whose tolerance for divergent opinions, humility, and dedication to serving the people of Kumasi was exemplary.
He added that Hon. Sarpong was an indiscriminate, caring, and easy-going leader who was always ready to serve with his heart out.
Hon. Kyei Moses, assembly member for Pataase, described him as a ‘gentle giant’ and a unifying exemplar under whose leadership as Mayor of Kumasi, the city witnessed significant development and progress.
He recounted that under his watch, there was unprecedented growth in revenue mobilization, culminating in KMA’s national award as the best assembly in revenue generation.
“He also served with love for people and work. He was very generous, and it’s very unfortunate that the country will lose a gem like him and others of his calibre in such bizarre circumstances,” he expressed passionately.
Madam Tina Yeboah Bio, Head of Treasury, was full of praise for Hon. Sarpong, particularly his support for human resource development for staff and others, citing examples to substantiate her claim.
Not to be outdone, in agreement with earlier speakers, Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, Presiding Member of the Assembly, described the demise of Hon. Sarpong and seven national leaders as a big blow.
He prayed that God would spare national leaders such catastrophes in their line of duty to the nation.
BY Thomas Awuah Asem
Kumasi
