President John Dramani Mahama has announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in honour of the eight victims who perished in the tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
In a sombre televised address to the nation on Thursday night, President Mahama described the loss as a national tragedy that has deeply shaken the country.
“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I address you tonight,” he began, confirming that the accident claimed the lives of eight individuals—five civilian officials and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces—onboard the ill-fated aircraft.
The victims include:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO
Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Ghana Air Force
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, Ghana Air Force
Sergeant Ernest Addo, Ghana Air Force
“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me,” the President said, acknowledging close ties with several of the deceased. “Our nation is grieving.
On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones. We share your pain. Your loss is our loss—a loss of dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who relentlessly worked for a better Ghana.”
He eulogised the victims, describing them as men of great character, professionalism, and devotion to national service.
President Mahama praised their unwavering commitment to Ghana’s progress and stated that their deaths are a stark reminder of the risks borne by those in public service.
The President also assured Ghanaians that a full and transparent investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.
An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been constituted, and both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been successfully retrieved. The bodies of all eight victims have also been recovered, and the government is in active consultation with the bereaved families concerning identification and burial arrangements, the president said.
In addition to the state funeral, the President announced the following commemorative events:
An Evening of Reflection and Memorial will take place on Saturday, August 9 at 5:00 pm, at the forecourt of the State House.
Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14, at multiple locations including:
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters
National Democratic Congress (NDC) Headquarters
NADMO Head Office
President Mahama called on Ghanaians to remain united in this time of grief and avoid political divisiveness.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring,” he cautioned. “It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails.”
He expressed hope that the legacy of the deceased would inspire unity and renewed dedication to national service.
“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 their legacy,” the President said.
“May God bless their souls. May God bless Ghana,” he concluded.
Source: Newstitbits.com
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