President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to transform the grief from the August 6 military helicopter tragedy into a collective determination to advance the nation’s progress.
Speaking at the Evening of Reflections and Memorial held at the Forecourt of the State House on August 9, the President described the eight victims not merely as names in news headlines, but as dedicated public servants whose commitment to Ghana’s growth and well-being was unwavering.
He stressed that their sacrifices should inspire the country to heal together and work tirelessly toward a stronger and more prosperous Ghana.
“We are truly one family. We must not only mourn as one but also heal as one. Their sacrifices, though deeply painful, are a powerful reminder of the urgent work ahead. They would not want us to be paralysed by grief—they would be the first to urge us to turn our sorrow into renewed determination to continue the task they began. This is the spirit behind the resetting agenda,” he said.
The memorial was part of a three-day national mourning period for Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others who perished when a Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
President Mahama urged the nation to honour the victims’ legacy not only with tears but through steadfast dedication to the ideals they championed—unity, justice, and opportunity for all.
“They served Ghana with their last breath. It is our sacred duty to carry that service forward and build the Ghana they envisioned—a country of opportunity, justice, and prosperity for every citizen. Today marks the close of our official mourning, but the work they stood for must continue,” he added.
An inter-denominational state funeral for six of the victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square.
The victims of the crash were:Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence,Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; 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 – Ghana Armed Forces
Others are Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Ghana Armed Forces and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Ghana Armed Forces.
