Helicopter crash not only a national tragedy but also a personal loss – Mahama 

President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a solemn national address following the military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including two ministers of state, senior public servants, and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Speaking on Friday night, the President said the incident was not only a national tragedy but also a personal loss. “I shared a close bond with many of those individuals who died. Our nation is grieving, and on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,” he stated.

Those who perished in the crash included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and MP for Tamale Central, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; Vice Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Sarpong; Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Anala; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

“These eight individuals dedicated their lives to Ghana’s progress. That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment,” President Mahama said, describing them as some of the nation’s “brightest minds.” He paid special tribute to the three Air Force personnel, calling them “dedicated members of our Air Force, embodying the best of their profession.”

The President assured the public that a full and transparent investigation into the accident was underway. He revealed that both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been recovered and that a Board of Inquiry had been established. “All eight bodies have been retrieved, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about identification and final interment,” he added.

Calling for national unity, Mahama urged Ghanaians to set aside differences in the wake of the tragedy. “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.

As part of the arrangements to honour the victims, an Evening of Reflection and Memorial will be held on Saturday, 9th August, at the forecourt of the State House. Books of condolence will be opened at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, NADMO headquarters, and the NDC national office from Sunday, 10th August, to Thursday, 14th August. The state funeral will take place on Friday, 15th August, at the Black Star Square.

Background
The fatal crash occurred on August 6 when the officials were travelling on a national duty mission to launch the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skill Development Program (rCOMSDEP) in the Ashanti Region. The initiative is part of the government’s effort to promote sustainable and legal mining practices while providing alternative livelihood skills to mining communities.