A heavy, almost palpable sorrow lingered over the Jubilee House today as senior government officials, political figures, and citizens gathered to honour the eight Ghanaians who perished in last Wednesday’s helicopter crash.

It was the second day of the three-day national mourning, marked by solemn wreath-laying ceremonies and heartfelt tributes.

Former Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was among the mourners, quietly placing his wreath before pausing in deep reflection.

In brief remarks, he described the loss as “a huge blow to the country.”

Alan Kyerematen, Founder and Leader of the Movement for Change, also stepped forward earlier in the day, bowing his head in solemn respect as he paid his respects to the fallen.

The Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, laid his wreath with a steady but heavy voice, urging Ghanaians to “mourn in unity and stand together in these tough times.”

Prof Joshua Alabi, a leading figure in the National Democratic Congress, joined the ceremony, his presence symbolising the shared grief cutting across political lines.

Also present were First Lady H.E. Lordina Mahama; Minister for Communications, Sam George, and his deputy, Mohammed Adam Sukparu; Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Nii Amasah Namoale; Chairman of GOIL, Nana Archer; Major (Rtd) Kuyong; the Director-General of NADMO; and Dr. Mary Awusi of the Free Zones Authority.