President John Dramani Mahama has stressed that the lessons from the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash must never be forgotten, urging leaders to use the tragedy as a catalyst to strengthen institutions, improve safety standards and protect those who serve the country.
Speaking at the National Inter-Faith Memorial Service on Thursday, August 6, 2026, to commemorate one year since the crash that claimed eight lives, President Mahama said the memory of the victims places a responsibility on leaders to build systems that prevent similar tragedies in the future.
He said every decision taken by those entrusted with leadership has consequences for people’s lives, making public office a responsibility and a sacred trust rather than merely a position of authority.
“Today should also be a moment of reflection for all of us who are entrusted with leadership, that every decision we make affects lives. Every public office is ultimately a sacred trust,” he said.
President Mahama emphasised that leadership must be defined by the responsibility leaders assume for the welfare and safety of those who dedicate their lives to serving Ghana.
“Their memory therefore imposes upon us a solemn obligation to build stronger institutions, to strengthen safety standards wherever necessary, to invest in the welfare of our personnel, and to ensure that no lesson from this tragedy will ever be forgotten,” he stated.
He said the most meaningful way to honour the victims would not only be through physical monuments but through practical measures that improve systems and safeguard public servants.
“The greatest memorial we can build is not one made of stone or bronze. It is one that is built through responsible leadership, improved systems, a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana,” President Mahama added.
The August 6, 2025 crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter travelling from Accra to the region on official duty crashed, killing eight people, including government officials and military personnel.
The crash claimed the lives of 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; and former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who were part of the helicopter crew — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also died in the crash.
The memorial service brought together bereaved families, government officials and members of the public to honour the lives, service and sacrifices of the eight victims.