President John Dramani Mahama has assured families of the helicopter crash victims that the government and the people of Ghana will continue to stand by them as the nation commemorates the first anniversary of the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
Speaking on Thursday, August 6, at a national inter-faith memorial service held in honour of the victims, President John Mahama described those who died as patriotic public servants whose dedication and sacrifice would forever remain part of Ghana’s history.
The President acknowledged that although one year has passed since the tragedy, the grief of the bereaved families remains profound.
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“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.
“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.”
The President’s message came during a solemn memorial marking one year since the August 6, 2025 Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The Z-9 military helicopter was travelling from Accra on an official assignment when it crashed, killing all eight people on board.
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 NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
President Mahama said the deceased served Ghana with distinction and patriotism, adding that their commitment to national service would never be forgotten.
He assured the families that the government remains committed to preserving the memory of their loved ones while continuing to honour their legacy of public service.
The inter-faith memorial service brought together government officials, security personnel, religious leaders, relatives of the victims and members of the public to reflect on the lives of those who perished and to offer prayers for their families.