President John Dramani Mahama has urged citizens to transform the sorrow from the August 6 military helicopter tragedy into a collective drive for national progress.
Speaking at the Evening of Reflections and Memorial held at the Forecourt of the State House on August 9, the President said the eight who perished were not just names in the news, but devoted public servants who worked tirelessly for Ghana’s growth.
Mr Mahama noted that their sacrifices should inspire unity, healing, and renewed commitment to building a stronger nation.
“We’re truly one seamless unified family, and therefore we must not only mourn as one, but commit to healing as one. Their sacrifices, though painful beyond measure, serve as a powerful reminder of the profound work that needs to be done for Ghana,” he said.
He stressed that the fallen leaders would have wanted the country to press forward rather than be immobilised by grief.
“They wouldn’t want us to be paralysed by grief. They would be the first to urge us to pick up the mantle to channel our sorrow into renewed determination to get the work done. This is the spirit behind the resetting agenda,” he added.
The memorial was part of a three-day national mourning period in honour of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others who died when a Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The state will host an inter-denominational funeral for six of the victims on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square.
Victims of the August 6 crash:
- Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central
- Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr Samuel Sarpong – National Vice Chairman, NDC
- Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah