The Government of Ghana has announced a series of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic military helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians. The commemorative events, which begin on Thursday, July 30, 2026, are intended to honour the memory, service and sacrifice of the deceased while showing solidarity with their bereaved families.
In a statement, the government said the programme is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders and alumni groups. It called on the general public, civil society organisations, religious leaders, media practitioners and well-wishers to participate in the various activities to pay tribute to the departed officials.
The commemoration began on Thursday, July 30, with the official presentation of the state’s support package to the families of the eight victims. On Tuesday, August 4, a memorial lecture in honour of the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah will be held at the Burma Hall, Burma Camp, from 2:00 p.m. The lecture is being organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA) and is open to the public.
The main commemorative event will take place on Thursday, August 6, with a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The service is expected to be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who chairs the Ghana Armed Forces Council, alongside government officials, security personnel, religious leaders and members of the public.
Later that day, at 4:00 p.m., the Ministry of Defence will officially unveil a memorial cenotaph in honour of the deceased. The unveiling ceremony will be by invitation.
As part of the commemoration, government has also designated Saturday, August 8, 2026, as “Service to the Soul” National Blood Donation Day. The nationwide blood donation exercise will be held at district, regional and teaching hospitals across the country, including the 37 Military Hospital, with additional centres to be announced.
Government said the humanitarian initiative is intended to replenish the nation’s blood banks and save lives in memory of the eight officials who lost their lives in the crash. It appealed to all Ghanaians to participate by donating blood at the nearest health facility, describing the exercise as a meaningful way to honour the fallen heroes.
The government urged citizens to unite in prayer, remembrance and patriotism throughout the commemorative period while continuing to support the bereaved families. It concluded by praying for the souls of the departed to continue to rest in perfect peace.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
