President John Dramani Mahama has announced a state funeral for the eight people killed in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash, describing their deaths as a “deep personal loss” during a solemn national address.
Speaking to the nation at 2100 GMT on Thursday evening, hours after leading a wreath-laying ceremony at the Jubilee House in the afternoon, President Mahama paid tribute to the victims who died when their aircraft crashed in Adansi Akrofuom, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — all members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The president named all eight victims, comprising five passengers and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who perished in the tragedy.
Those killed were Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Environment, Science and Technology Minister Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, who also served as MP for Tamale Central; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; National Democratic Congress Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong; and NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye.
The three military personnel were Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo, all of the Ghana Air Force.
“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me. I shared close bonds with many of these individuals who died,” President Mahama said during his televised address.
The president described the victims as dedicated public servants who had devoted their lives to Ghana’s progress. “That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment. We have lost some of our nation’s brightest minds,” he stated.
President Mahama announced that an inter-denominational state funeral will be held on Friday, 15th August, at the Black Star Square in Accra to honour the eight victims.
The nation will gather for an Evening of Reflections and Memorial at the State House forecourt on Saturday, 9th August at 5.00pm, whilst books of condolence will be opened at various government institutions from Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August.
The president assured families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full investigation into the crash circumstances. “An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved,” he confirmed.
All eight bodies have been recovered, with the government working closely with bereaved families on identification and final interment arrangements.
President Mahama called for national unity during the period of mourning, urging Ghanaians to “set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.”
“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,” he declared.
The president extended condolences to the Ghana Armed Forces, affected ministries and departments, and the National Democratic Congress, which lost valued members in the tragedy.
