Let’s build responsible leadership to honour helicopter crash heroes, not monuments – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghana to honour the memory of the eight victims of last year’s military helicopter crash by strengthening public institutions, improving safety standards and promoting responsible leadership, saying lasting reforms—not monuments—will be the greatest tribute to those who died in service to the nation.

The appeal came during the National Inter-Faith Memorial Service marking the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight senior government officials and security personnel.

They were Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; National Democratic Congress Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, who were on official national duty when the helicopter went down.

Addressing mourners at the memorial service, President Mahama said the tragedy should serve as a moment of reflection for those entrusted with leadership.

He stressed that leadership should be defined not by the authority leaders wield but by the responsibility they carry for the lives of those they serve.

“Leadership is not measured merely by the authority we exercise, but by the responsibility we bear for the lives and welfare of those who serve our nation.”

The President said Ghana has a solemn duty to ensure the painful lessons from the tragedy lead to meaningful reforms that better protect public servants.

“Their memory therefore imposes upon us a solemn obligation to build stronger institutions, to strengthen safety standards wherever necessary, to invest in the welfare of our personnel, and to ensure that no lesson from this tragedy will ever be forgotten.”

President Mahama added that the nation’s greatest tribute to the departed heroes would be measured by the reforms it implements rather than the monuments it erects.

“The greatest memorial we can build is not one made of stone or bronze. It is one that is built through responsible leadership, improved systems, a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana.”

He urged leaders across government and public institutions to honour the legacy of the eight fallen heroes by strengthening governance, improving accountability and ensuring the safety and welfare of those who dedicate their lives to serving Ghana.