President John Dramani Mahama and Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on Thursday laid wreaths at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency in Accra, in honour of two Ministers of State and six victims who died in a helicopter crash at Adansi in the Ashanti Region.
The eight persons who died in the helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, were Defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The others were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, First Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Other wreaths laid by govt and party leaders
Other wreaths were laid by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Fifi Fiavi Kwetey on behalf of the NDC; Major General William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces; and Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
3-day national mourning period begins
The Presidency, in a statement, outlined a programme for three days of national mourning, from Thursday, August 7 to Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The solemn period is dedicated to honouring the departed and providing an opportunity for national reflection and remembrance.
The statement invited members of the public, families, and friends to participate in the commemorative events.
The laying of flowers and lighting of candles will continue through Friday, August 8, allowing more time for citizens to express their condolences and respect.
The mourning period will conclude on Saturday, August 9, with an “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” at the Forecourt of the State House.
Nationwide grief and collective reflection
Earlier, the government declared a three-day national mourning to honour the victims of the crash.
The mourning period is intended to allow the nation to grieve collectively and reflect on the lives lost in the devastating incident.
The commemorative event on Saturday, beginning at 5:00 p.m., will bring together Ghanaians from all walks of life to remember the victims, acknowledge their contributions, and offer support to their bereaved families.
Official tributes will be delivered by the government during the ceremony.
Further details regarding the State Funeral and other arrangements will be communicated through official channels.
In the meantime, citizens are encouraged to participate with dignity and compassion as the nation stands united in grief.
Mission to promote responsible mining ends in tragedy
The high-level delegation had been en route to Obuasi to participate in the official launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a government initiative aimed at combating illegal mining and promoting sustainable practices.
The mission ended in tragedy when the military helicopter transporting them crashed under yet-to-be-determined circumstances.
Challenging rescue operation at the crash site
Rescue teams from the military, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the police worked under extreme physical conditions due to the mountainous terrain of the forest reserve.
The remoteness of the crash site made it nearly impossible for vehicles to access the area.
All eight bodies were eventually recovered from the wreckage.
The remains were retrieved from the Dampayaw Forest Reserve, a rugged mountainous area near Brofoyedu Sikaman in the Adansi South District, where the ill-fated aircraft went down during the official mission.
Remains received at Air Force Base in Accra
On Wednesday evening, a solemn and emotionally charged atmosphere enveloped the Air Force Base in Accra as Chief of Staff Julius Debrah led a high-powered government delegation to receive the mortal remains of the victims.
The remains were flown in from the crash site in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, accompanied by a heavy military escort and dignified silence.
As the coffins—each draped in the red, gold, green, and black star of the national flag—were offloaded from the military aircraft, grief was etched on every face.
The Chief of Staff stood alongside senior military commanders, ministers of state, party executives, and members of the clergy to formally receive the bodies.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the eight individuals who lost their lives while on duty for their country.
“Black Wednesday” shocks the nation
Ghana was plunged into national mourning on Wednesday, as news of the fatal helicopter crash claiming the lives of two cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and military officers triggered a widespread outpouring of grief.
From the bustling streets of Accra to the quiet rural corners of the Ashanti Region, ordinary citizens—commuters, market traders, office workers, and schoolchildren—paused to reflect, mourn, and express sorrow on what is now widely referred to as “Black Wednesday.”
A deluge of calls from Ghanaians abroad poured in as family and friends sought confirmation of the tragic news.
Public displays of grief and unity
Flags were lowered to half-mast. Ministries fell silent. Social media was overtaken by tributes, and a palpable sense of loss hung over the nation.
Vigils sprang up spontaneously across communities, and thousands took to social media to pay tribute and call for support for the bereaved families.
The loss of these public servants has left a deep void—not just in government, but in the hearts of millions of Ghanaians who saw in them the promise of progress and integrity.
