Gov’t announces three-day national mourning for helicopter crash victims

The Government of Ghana has declared three days of national mourning to honour the eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, August 7, the mourning period is set to run from Thursday, August 7, to Saturday, August 9, 2025. The programme is intended to provide space for national reflection, collective grief, and tributes to the departed.

Activities will begin on Thursday with a public laying of flowers and the lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Presidency from 1:00 PM. The gesture is meant to serve as a national act of remembrance, and members of the public, families, and friends have been invited to participate.

The statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, said the opportunity for floral and candle tributes will be extended through Friday, August 8, to allow more citizens to pay their respects.

The mourning period will culminate on Saturday, August 9, with an “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” at the Forecourt of the State House beginning at 5:00 PM. The event will bring together Ghanaians from all walks of life to honour the legacy and contributions of the deceased.

“These three days offer our nation a vital opportunity to collectively mourn and reflect on the profound loss we have experienced. We urge all citizens to observe the period of national mourning with dignity and respect,” the statement said.

Background

The announcement follows a devastating military helicopter crash that occurred on August 6, 2025, while a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 aircraft was en route to Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission. The aircraft lost radar contact and was later found crashed in a forested area in Adansi Akrofuom District.

The crash claimed the lives of key government and military figures, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye. Three military crew members—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also perished.