President John Dramani Mahama has described the memory of the eight Ghanaians who died in the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash as a national responsibility, saying the country gathered one year on “not to relive that pain, but to give it meaning.”
Speaking at the National Inter-Faith Memorial Service on Thursday, August 6 to mark one-year after their passing, the President said no speech or ceremony could erase the pain of losing loved ones, but stressed that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
“Today, a year later, we gather not to relive that pain, but to give it meaning. Because remembrance is an obligation for every grateful nation,” he said.
The President said the tragedy affected not only the families of the victims but the entire country, describing the moment Ghana received news of the crash as one filled with disbelief and grief.
“It was a silence filled with disbelief, grief, and countless unanswered questions. There were parents who had lost their children, spouses who had lost lifelong partners, children who would never again hear the reassuring voices of their fathers, colleagues who had lost trusted friends and comrades,” he stated.
The August 6, 2025 crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East Parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
President Mahama said the victims came from different backgrounds but were united by their commitment to national service.
“They did not board that helicopter expecting that it would be their final journey. Like countless public servants every day, they set out to perform their duties,” he said.
He urged Ghanaians to appreciate public servants while they are alive, noting that many make sacrifices away from public attention.
“We celebrate service only after tragedies strike. Today, we must resolve to appreciate public service even as it is being offered daily,” he said.
To the bereaved families, President Mahama expressed the government’s continued support and sympathy.
“No amount of money can replace the voices that you long to hear or the embraces that you miss. But the nation still mourns with you,” he said.
He assured them that the eight victims would remain part of Ghana’s history because of the values they represented.
“The loved ones did not die alone. They belong to all of us, and Ghana will continue to remember them.”
