Families, friends, and dignitaries gathered at the forecourt of the State House in Accra for a solemn memorial in honour of the eight Ghanaians who tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The night was marked by hymns, heartfelt reflections, a candlelit procession involving both military and civilian representatives, and prayers offered for the souls of the departed.
President John Dramani Mahama led the ceremony, which drew hundreds of mourners united in grief and national solidarity. The gathering paid tribute to the victims of the crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, at Adansi Akrofuom.
In his address at the “Evening of Reflections and Memorial,” President Mahama urged Ghanaians to transform their sorrow into a renewed commitment to national unity and development.
“These were more than just names in news reports,” he said. “They were dedicated public servants, united by their commitment to Ghana’s success.”
He emphasised that the tragedy should serve as a poignant reminder of the critical work that remains to be done in building a stronger Ghana.
“We come together not as divided factions but as one family,” Mahama said. “This tragedy reminds us how fragile life is and how crucial it is for us to stand united in the face of loss.”
He expressed deep personal sorrow over the tragedy and encouraged citizens to honour the memory of the fallen by continuing the work they stood for.
Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang also addressed the gathering, calling for focus and responsibility in the aftermath of the loss:
“This is not the time for apportioning blame. It is a time for ensuring that mishaps are avoided going forward,” she stated, urging for improvements in safety protocols and national preparedness.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, speaking in a tone of quiet anguish, acknowledged the depth of the nation’s grief:
“It will take a long time to heal from these scars,” he said, capturing the emotional weight of the tragedy and its impact on both government and the nation at large.
Among those who perished were:
Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO)
The nation continues to mourn the loss of these dedicated individuals, whose service and sacrifice will remain a lasting legacy.
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