President John Dramani Mahama has reassured the families of the eight people who died in the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that the government and citizens of Ghana remain with them as they observe the first anniversary of the national tragedy.
He made the pledge on Thursday, August 6, at a national inter-faith memorial service held to honour the eight public servants who lost their lives in a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter while on official duties.
Addressing the gathering, President Dramani Mahama described the deceased as patriotic servants who devoted their lives to the nation, noting that their sacrifice will forever be remembered in Ghana’s history.
He said even though a year has gone by since the incident, the grief was still very real for the families and relatives left behind.
“To the bereaved families, permit me once again to convey the deepest condolences of the government and the people of Ghana. I know that no speech can erase your pain, no anniversary can fill that empty seat at your dining table, and no ceremonies can replace the voices that you long to hear.
“You have borne your grief with remarkable courage and dignity, and in doing so, you have reminded all of us that love does not end with death; it endures in memory, faith and the lives we choose to live thereafter.
“Please rest assured that the nation still mourns with you and your loved ones did not die alone; they belong to all of Ghana, and we will continue to remember them.”
The August 6, 2025 accident happened in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region when a GAF Z-9 helicopter crashed while flying from Accra to the region on an official mission.
Those who died in the tragedy were Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Samuel Sarpong; former NDC parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye; and three Ghana Armed Forces crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
