President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofrom that claimed the lives of eight high-profile Ghanaians, including senior government officials and members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
In a solemn national broadcast on Thursday evening, President Mahama described the incident as a “profoundly heavy” loss, both personal and national, emphasizing that the victims were individuals who had served Ghana with unwavering dedication.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in the deaths of five civilians and three military personnel. Among the deceased were:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, Ghana Air Force and Sergeant Ernest Addo, Ghana Air Force.
President Mahama paid tribute to the victims, calling them “some of the nation’s brightest minds” who dedicated their final moments to national service. “We have lost dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who tirelessly worked for a better Ghana,” he stated.
He extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, assuring the bereaved families of the nation’s collective grief and support.
An investigative board has been established by the Ghana Armed Forces to probe the cause of the crash. Both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered, and the bodies of all eight victims have been retrieved. The government is coordinating with families for identification and burial arrangements.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring,” President Mahama cautioned. “It is a time for strength, empathy, and unity.”
As part of the national mourning process, an Evening of Reflections and Memorial will be held on Saturday, 9th August at 5:00 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House.
Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August at the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, NDC headquarters, and NADMO head office.
A state funeral for the deceased will take place on Friday, 15th August at the Black Star Square.
President Mahama concluded the address with a call for national unity and reflection: “May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.”
