President John Dramani Mahama has cancelled all official engagements for the rest of the week in the wake of a tragic military helicopter crash that took the lives of eight individuals, including two cabinet ministers.
In a press release signed by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidency announced a three-day national mourning period, commencing Thursday, August 7, 2025.
As part of the nationwide observance, the Chief of Staff directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast until further notice to honour the memory of the deceased.
“The President expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families,” the statement noted, urging citizens to mark the period with solemn reflection.
In the aftermath of the crash, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang led a high-level delegation to formally notify the families of the deceased. Her team included senior government officials, top figures from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and members of the Military High Command.
Among the families visited were those of Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Minuru Limuna.
Simultaneously, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah traveled to Koforidua to console the family of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.
Two additional delegations were dispatched to visit the relatives of the military crew in Takoradi, the family of NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and that of the Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.
The nation remains in mourning as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
Read the statement below.
