A solemn and emotionally charged atmosphere enveloped the Air Force Base in Accra on Wednesday night as the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, led a high-powered government delegation to receive the mortal remains of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six other Ghanaians who perished in the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
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.
National tribute to eight distinguished servants
Among the dignitaries present were Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, and Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu. Together, they joined hands with grieving military personnel and civilians to honour the memories of the deceased.
The victims of the crash were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the NDC and former Ashanti Regional Minister
Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Ghana Air Force
Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Ghana Air Force
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Ghana Air Force
The 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 to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable mining practices. The mission ended in tragedy when the military helicopter transporting them crashed under yet-to-be-determined circumstances.
President declares national mourning
In response to the tragedy, President John Dramani Mahama declared a three-day national mourning period, ordering all flags to be flown at half-mast until further notice. The President also suspended all official engagements for the remainder of the week in honour of the fallen.
“This is a national tragedy,” said a statement issued by the Presidency.
“The sacrifice and dedication of these public servants and officers will never be forgotten. Ghana is in mourning.”
A nation united in sorrow
Across the country, Ghanaians have continued to express their shock and sorrow.
Vigils have sprung up spontaneously in communities, while thousands have taken to social media to pay tribute and call for support for the bereaved families.
The military and relevant civil aviation authorities have commenced investigations into the cause of the crash.
As the remains of the eight national heroes lie in state, Ghana pauses to mourn—not just the lives lost, but the ideals of service, courage, and patriotism that they embodied.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the state in due course.
Chief of Staff receives remains of helicopter crash victims
A solemn and emotionally charged atmosphere enveloped the Air Force Base in Accra on Wednesday night as the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, led a high-powered government delegation to receive the mortal remains of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six other Ghanaians who perished in the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The remains were flown in from the crash site in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, accompanied by 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.
