By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Mahama together with the Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang led Ghanaians in commemorating the first anniversary of the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight distinguished public officials and military personnel.
The solemn interfaith remembrance service, held at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra, brought together bereaved families, government officials, military commanders, religious leaders and members of the diplomatic corps to honour the memory and service of the fallen heroes.
One year after the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, the nation paused to remember eight gallant public servants who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The interfaith remembrance service at the UPSA Auditorium brought together President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces, members of the security services, Parliament, the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, as well as the bereaved families.
Special prayers and tributes were offered in honour of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, former Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress and former Ashanti Regional Minister; Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Air Force.
The Christian and Muslim service featured scripture readings, Qur’anic recitations, hymns and reflections, underscoring national unity in remembering the lives and sacrifices of the deceased.
The remembrance service formed part of a week-long programme to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy. It follows a memorial lecture held in honour of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and a nationwide blood donation exercise organised across all districts and regions to celebrate the enduring legacy of the fallen heroes through the gift of life.
Ahead of the service, President Mahama presented compensation packages to the bereaved families, including educational trust funds for the children, Legacy Boxes containing personal letters and commemorative medallions, and a GH¢3 million Nationwide Medical Insurance package.
Government has also established professionally managed trust funds and fixed deposit accounts to safeguard the educational future of the children left behind, while continuing to provide welfare support and counselling to the affected families.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama paid tribute to the courage, patriotism and selfless service of the eight fallen heroes, assuring their families that the nation would continue to honour their memory and uphold its commitment to their welfare.
The solemn ceremony concluded with prayers for the departed, reaffirming Ghana’s gratitude for their dedicated service and sacrifice to the nation.
