Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has called on political leaders to refrain from turning the procurement of a presidential plane and military helicopters into partisan debate, urging them to treat such matters as issues of national interest. Speaking at the Manhyia Palace during a visit by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr.
Frank Amoakohene, the Asantehene made the remarks in the wake of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight people on board, including two Cabinet Ministers - Defence Minister Dr.
Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Innovation, Dr.
Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.The Overlord of the Asante Kingdom expressed his condolences to President John Dramani Mahama and the bereaved families, describing the issue of aircraft acquisition as one of "national concern." "Enough of the politicising of the purchase of presidential planes and helicopters.
