Ghana is in deep mourning after a devastating military helicopter crash on Wednesday claimed eight lives, including two government ministers and senior military officers. In a somber address to the nation Thursday night, President John Dramani Mahama described the tragedy as both a national disaster and a “deep personal loss,” paying tribute to those he called close friends, trusted colleagues, and devoted public servants.
“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me. I shared a close bond with many of those individuals who died. Our nation is grieving, and on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and their loved ones,” he said from Jubilee House.
The President emphasized that the victims’ passing was a collective national loss, saying, “Your loss is our loss — a loss of dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who tirelessly worked for a better Ghana.”
Among the dead were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and several senior military and political leaders. Mahama honoured each of them by name, recalling their contributions and commitment to the nation. He praised Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu and Sergeant Addo as “dedicated members of our Air Force,” described Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna as “a humble yet effective public servant,” hailed Samuel Sarpong as “a respected statesman,” remembered Samuel Aboagye as “a promising young leader,” and lauded Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed as “brilliant and passionate voices” in governance and environmental stewardship.
“These gallant men each served Ghana with distinction. That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment,” he added.
Mahama assured the public that the Ghana Armed Forces had launched a full and transparent inquiry into the crash. An investigative board of inquiry has been formed, and both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered. “All eight of the bodies of our departed comrades have been retrieved, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about identification of the bodies and final interment,” he said.
Calling for unity and restraint in the midst of grief, the President urged, “This is not a time for division, speculation or political point scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else has failed.”
A national memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 9, at 5 p.m. at the State House forecourt, with condolence books available from August 10 to 14 at the Defence and Environment ministries, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the NDC head office, and the NADMO offices. A full inter-denominational state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square.
Closing his address, Mahama said, “May we all be comforted by the knowledge that though they are gone from our sights, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served. May God bless their souls, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana.”
