President John Dramani Mahama has assured the families of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that the government and the people of Ghana continue to stand with them as they mark the first anniversary of one of the country’s worst aviation tragedies.
The President gave the assurance on Thursday, August 6, during a national inter-faith memorial service held in honour of the eight individuals who died in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash while on official duty.
In his address, President Mahama described the victims as patriotic public servants who dedicated their lives to serving Ghana, adding that their sacrifice would remain etched in the nation’s history.
He acknowledged that although one year had passed since the tragedy, the pain of the loss remained deeply felt by the families and loved ones they 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 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 went down during an official assignment.
The tragedy 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; former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
