Ghana still mourns and stands with you — Mahama assures families of August 6 helicopter crash victims

Row of head-and-shoulders portraits on a Ghana Mourns memorial banner at an outdoor ceremony with flowers in front.

By Nana Prekoh Eric August 6, 2026

President John Dramani Mahama has assured the families of the eight people who lost their lives in the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that the government and the people of Ghana continue to stand with them as the nation marks the first anniversary of the tragedy.

The President gave the assurance on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during a national interfaith memorial service held in honour of the eight victims, describing them as dedicated patriots whose service and sacrifice would never be forgotten.

Addressing the bereaved families, President Mahama acknowledged that although a year had passed since the crash, the pain of their loss remained profound.

“To the bereaved families, permit me once again to convey the deepest condolences of the government and the people of Ghana. I know that no speech can erase your pain, no anniversary can fill that empty seat at your dining table, and no ceremony can replace the voices that you long to hear.”

“You have borne your grief with remarkable courage and dignity, and in doing so, you have reminded all of us that love does not end with death; it endures in memory, faith and the lives we choose to live thereafter.”

“Please rest assured that the nation still mourns with you, and your loved ones did not die alone; they belong to all of Ghana, and we will continue to remember them,” he said.

President Mahama described the deceased as selfless public servants who devoted their lives to the service of the nation, saying their legacy would remain etched in Ghana’s history.

The August 6, 2025 crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on an official assignment went down.

The victims were Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong; former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The interfaith memorial service brought together government officials, security personnel, religious leaders, relatives of the deceased and members of the public to honour the lives and service of the eight victims.