President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the eight Ghanaians who perished in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a tragedy that has plunged the country into sorrow and disbelief.
The period of mourning will begin Thursday, August 7, and all national flags are to be flown at half-mast across the country until further notice.
In a statement issued by the Presidency late Wednesday evening, President Mahama also announced the immediate suspension of all his official engagements for the rest of the week.
“This is a national tragedy,” the statement, signed by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said. “The loss of these distinguished Ghanaians is a devastating blow to the country and to the families they leave behind.”
Key government, military figures among the dead
The crash, which occurred as the delegation flew to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event, claimed the lives of high-ranking government officials and members of the Ghana Air Force.
The deceased include:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Ashanti Regional Minister
Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala,
Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu,
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The delegation was heading to the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a government initiative aimed at addressing illegal mining and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Nation urged to unite in mourning
The Presidency’s statement called on Ghanaians to come together in solidarity during this difficult time.
“We ask all citizens to observe this period of mourning with solemnity and compassion for the families who are grieving,” the statement said.
“This is a time to reflect on the selfless service of those who died and to honour their legacy with national unity.”
The Chief of Staff has directed all ministries, departments, agencies, and public institutions to comply with the half-mast directive and observe appropriate mourning protocols.
A somber pause in national life
In the capital city of Accra, the impact of the tragedy was immediately felt. Government institutions fell silent, public transport slowed, and impromptu vigils began in some neighbourhoods.
Conversations in offices, markets, and homes were dominated by disbelief and sadness.
Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes and prayers, while civil society organisations and religious leaders have joined in calling for national reflection and comfort for the bereaved families.
Funeral plans and investigations underway
The government has announced that plans are being made for state-assisted funerals for the deceased. Meanwhile, the Ghana
Armed Forces has begun investigations into the cause of the crash, working closely with civil aviation and security agencies.
“Their deaths must not be in vain,” a government official said. “We will honour them not just with mourning, but with action that ensures such tragedies are prevented in the future.”
As Ghana begins three days of national mourning, black ribbons, lowered flags, and hushed prayers across the country serve as symbols of collective loss and remembrance.
