The Government of Ghana, in a deeply moving ceremony, held a public wreath-laying and candle-lighting event on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in honour of the victims of the recent military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several high-ranking officials and personnel.
The ceremony, which marked the beginning of a three-day national mourning period, took place at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Presidency and drew attendance from government officials, grieving families, members of the armed forces, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens.
President John Dramani Mahama, along with Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang and other dignitaries, led the solemn occasion by laying wreaths in tribute to the fallen. A moment of silence was observed, followed by the lighting of candles to symbolise hope and eternal remembrance.
The flower laying and candle-lighting will continue on Friday, August 8, giving more Ghanaians the opportunity to participate and express their condolences.
The mourning period will conclude on Saturday, August 9, with an “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” at the Forecourt of the State House, where citizens will gather to celebrate the lives and contributions of the departed.
The three days offer our nation a vital opportunity to collectively mourn and reflect on the
profound loss the country has experienced.
As the country grapples with the tragedy, the government has called on all citizens to observe the mourning period with dignity, unity, and national solidarity.
As the nation awaits official updates, tributes continue to pour in from various sectors of society, underscoring the magnitude of the loss and the shared sense of mourning.
The soldiers and civil servants on board are:
Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, in a military helicopter crash at the Adansi Area in Ashanti Region.
Others who died in the unfortunate national tragedy were Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Dr Samuel Sarpong, the Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ashanti Regional Minister.
The rest are Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
