‘Your Loved Ones Belong to All of Ghana’ — Mahama Assures Helicopter Crash Victims’ Families of Support

Man in a dark suit speaks at a podium with a presidential seal; a military officer in uniform stands behind holding papers, with a backdrop of large text and a 'Live from UPSA' banner.

By Yaw Opoku Amoako August 6, 2026

President John Dramani Mahama has assured the families of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025 Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash that the government and the people of Ghana continue to stand with them one year after the tragedy.

The President gave the assurance on Thursday, August 6, during a National Interfaith Memorial Service held to honour the lives and sacrifices of those who died in one of Ghana’s most devastating aviation disasters.

In his address, President Mahama described the victims as patriotic citizens who dedicated their lives to national service, saying their contributions and sacrifice would remain permanently remembered in Ghana’s history.

He acknowledged that while a year had passed since the crash, the pain of losing loved ones remained deeply felt by the bereaved families.

“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 ceremonies can replace the voices that you long to hear,” he said.

President Mahama praised the families for the courage and dignity they have shown throughout the grieving process, noting that the memories of their loved ones continue to live on.

“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,” he stated.

He assured the families that the nation continues to share in their grief and would continue to honour the memory of the fallen heroes.

“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,” President Mahama added.

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

The tragedy claimed the lives of 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 NDC 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 memorial service brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, families of the deceased and other dignitaries to honour the lives, service and sacrifices of the eight victims.