Ghana has paused in grief and remembrance exactly one year after the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight government officials and service personnel, leaving families shattered and the entire nation in mourning.
President John Dramani Mahama led a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The solemn ceremony brought together Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, government officials, military commanders, religious leaders and relatives of the victims.
The tragedy occurred on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter travelling from Accra to Obuasi disappeared from radar and crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region. All eight people on board died while undertaking official national duties.
Those who lost their lives were Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; NDC Vice-Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong; NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama said the anniversary was not meant simply to reopen the country’s wounds but to give meaning to the victims’ sacrifice. He described remembrance as a responsibility of every grateful nation and said the eight departed individuals were united by their devotion to public service.
The President also reflected on the painful reality that they left behind unfinished conversations, unfulfilled dreams and families who expected them to return home.
The memorial formed part of a week-long national programme honouring what the government has called the “Departed Eight.” Activities included the presentation of state support to the bereaved families and a memorial lecture celebrating the life of Dr Omane Boamah.
A memorial cenotaph is also expected to be unveiled in their honour, while the commemorative activities will conclude on Saturday, August 8, with a nationwide blood-donation exercise known as “Service to the Soul.”
One year later, the pain remains fresh. However, Ghana continues to remember eight citizens who boarded a helicopter to serve their country—never knowing it would become their final journey.
