President John Dramani Mahama has led Ghana in an emotional remembrance of the eight people who lost their lives in the devastating military helicopter crash of August 6, 2025.
The National Inter-Faith Memorial Service, held in Accra on Thursday, August 6, 2026, brought together government officials, security personnel, religious leaders, grieving relatives and members of the public. The solemn ceremony marked exactly one year since the tragedy shocked the country.
Addressing mourners, President Mahama said the anniversary was not intended to reopen the painful wounds of the victims’ families but to ensure that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
He described remembrance as a responsibility of every grateful nation, stressing that the eight departed Ghanaians were united by their commitment to public service despite coming from different professional and personal backgrounds.
The victims were Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
They were travelling aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter on official national duty when the aircraft crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region while heading toward Obuasi. All eight occupants died in the accident.
President Mahama urged Ghanaians to preserve their legacy through patriotism, sacrifice and responsible service to the country. He also called for stronger safety measures and greater investment in the welfare of public servants and security personnel who regularly perform dangerous duties.
The President assured the bereaved families that Ghana would continue to stand with them, acknowledging that although ceremonies could not erase their pain, the nation would never abandon the memory of their loved ones.
The anniversary activities also include the unveiling of a memorial cenotaph and a nationwide blood-donation exercise as Ghana continues to honor the “Departed 8.”
One year later, their absence remains deeply felt—but their service, courage and sacrifice remain permanently written in Ghana’s history.
