President John Dramani Mahama has honoured the memory of the eight state officials who lost their lives in the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash, saying they set out on a national assignment with the aim of serving Ghana, unaware that the trip would become their last.
The President made the remarks during a national interfaith memorial service in Accra on Thursday to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy.
President Mahama said the victims boarded the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter in the course of duty, driven by their commitment to contributing to the progress and development of the country.
He noted that despite their different professions, personal histories and life experiences, the eight individuals were connected by a shared commitment to serve both God and Ghana.
“They came from diverse backgrounds, diverse professions; they had different dreams, different personalities and different stories, and yet they were united by one common purpose: they answered the call to serve God and country. None of them boarded that helicopter expecting it would be their final journey,” he said.
The President described their death as a devastating loss to their families, friends, colleagues and the nation as a whole, recognising the sacrifices they made in the service of Ghana.
The tragedy occurred on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while transporting officials on an assignment linked to efforts to combat illegal mining activities.
Those who died included 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 Air Force 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, family members and members of the public to remember the lives and contributions of the deceased.
