President John Mahama has pledged a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic helicopter tragedy that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including key government officials and members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Speaking for the first time since the disaster, the President addressed the nation from Jubilee House on Thursday, August 7, expressing his grief and solidarity with bereaved families while urging national unity during the period of mourning.
A Nation in mourning
The President began his address by acknowledging the devastating impact of the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. He described the tragedy as a national loss that has plunged the entire country into mourning.
“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I address you tonight,” he said. “Yesterday, a tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of eight cherished members of our Ghanaian family.”
Among the deceased were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress Samuel Sarpong, Deputy Director-General of NADMO Samuel Aboagye, and three members of the Ghana Air Force — Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
Personal loss for the president
President Mahama admitted that the crash represents a deeply personal loss, noting his close ties to many of the victims.
“We have lost some of our nation’s brightest minds. These eight individuals dedicated their lives to Ghana’s progress. That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment,” he said.
He lauded each of the deceased for their service to the nation, stating that their collective legacy would live on. He described Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu, and Sergeant Addo as professionals who embodied the best of the Ghana Air Force.
He praised Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna for his humility and dedication, Samuel Sarpong as a respected statesman, and Samuel Aboagye as a promising young leader.
Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed, the President said they were brilliant and passionate leaders committed to Ghana’s development.
Demand for answers and promise of accountability
Recognising growing public concern over the cause of the crash, President Mahama was unequivocal in assuring Ghanaians of a full investigation.
“As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash,” he declared.
He revealed that an Investigative Board of Inquiry has already been constituted. Crucial evidence — including the flight data and cockpit voice recorders — has been retrieved from the crash site.
All eight bodies have also been recovered, and the government is working closely with bereaved families to ensure proper identification and arrangements for final interment.
Nationwide memorial activities announced
To honour the fallen, President Mahama declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7. Ghanaians across the country are encouraged to lay flowers and light candles from Thursday through Saturday in memory of the victims.
These activities will culminate in a national memorial service at the forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9, starting at 5:00 pm.
Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, at key institutions, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the NDC headquarters, and the NADMO head office.
The President also announced that an inter-denominational state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square to bid farewell to the eight individuals he described as “heroes.”
A call for unity over division
In a passionate plea, President Mahama called on Ghanaians to set aside differences and unite in grief. “In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians — united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity, and now, shared sorrow,” he said.
He warned against political point-scoring and speculation, urging the public and the media to respect the solemnity of the moment.
“Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost,” he added.
Tribute to legacy of the departed
President Mahama concluded his address by honouring the enduring legacy of the departed and offering words of comfort to the grieving.
“To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy,” he said.
“Though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served,” the President added solemnly, invoking divine blessings upon their souls.
