President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to rise above political divisions and unite in this time of national mourning.
According to Mahama, Ghanaians must come together and bid a fitting farewell to the deceased.
Speaking to the nation on August 7, 2025, John Mahama stated, “This is not a time for division, speculation or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.
“To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and legacy.
“May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.”
John Mahama further revealed that the government will initiate a full-scale investigation into the tragic helicopter crash.
He added, “As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.
An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved. All eight bodies of our departed comrades have been recovered, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families regarding the identification of the bodies and their final interment.”
He further added, “In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians, united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity and now shared sorrow. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.
Ghana lost eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.
Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.
The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Meanwhile, the government of Ghana held a solemn wreath-laying ceremony on Thursday, August 7, at the Jubilee House.
The wreath-laying ceremony was in honour of the eight victims of the recent military helicopter crash that devastated the nation.
It was part of Ghana’s three-day national mourning period.
The event took place at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Presidency.
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman and other Senior government officials, Senior NDC members, family members of the deceased, military personnel, and members of the public, all united in grief and remembrance.
Wreaths were laid, and a quiet respect settled over the grounds, reflecting the deep loss.
Additionally, John Mahama announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square.
The inter-denominational state funeral is part of a week-long national mourning programme.
Also, a book of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, at various institutions namely, The Ministry of Defence, The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, The National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquartersand The head office of NADMO.
Additionally, the bodies of the fallen Ghanaian heroes have been flown to South Africa for a DNA test to identify them.
Watch the video below:
President John Dramani Mahama🇬🇭
— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) August 7, 2025
“This is not the time for Political points scoring but for empathy and strength…” pic.twitter.com/RIgc02zd1l