President John Dramani Mahama has assured the families of the eight people who lost their lives in the August 6, 2025 Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash that their loved ones will never be forgotten, describing their sacrifice as part of Ghana's enduring national story.
Speaking at a national interfaith memorial service on Thursday, August 6, the President said the government remained committed to standing with the bereaved families as the country marked one year since the tragedy that claimed senior public officials and military personnel during an official assignment.
Nation Remembers Fallen Public Servants
The memorial reflected on one of Ghana's darkest moments in recent years. President Mahama said the victims served the country with dedication and paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
He acknowledged that the passing of time had done little to ease the pain of those left behind.
"To the bereaved families, permit me once again to convey the deepest condolences of the government and the people of Ghana," he said.
"I know that no speech can erase your pain, no anniversary can fill that empty seat at your dining table, and no ceremonies can replace the voices that you long to hear." - President Mahama
The President praised the families for the strength they have shown over the past year, saying their resilience had inspired the nation.
"You have borne your grief with remarkable courage and dignity," he said. "Please rest assured that the nation still mourns with you, and your loved ones did not die alone; they belong to all of Ghana, and we will continue to remember them."
A Tragedy That Shook the Country
The fatal helicopter crash occurred on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region after a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter travelling from Accra went down during an official mission.
Eight people died in the accident, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong, former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, as well as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The anniversary service brought together government officials, members of the security services, religious leaders and relatives of the victims in a solemn tribute to those who died while serving the nation.
President Mahama said their commitment to public service would continue to inspire future generations, stressing that Ghana has a responsibility to preserve their memory and honour the legacy they left behind.
He urged Ghanaians to remember not only the tragedy itself but also the dedication, patriotism and sense of duty that defined the lives of the eight victims.
READ ALSO: NPP Stages ‘Democracy Under Attack’ Demonstration in Accra Today
