Julius Debrah calls for unity in honour of helicopter crash victims

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has asked Ghanaians to uphold the values of unity, patriotism, and service as a tribute to the eight lives lost in the recent military helicopter crash.

Addressing mourners during an Evening of Reflections and Memorial Ceremony at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9, Mr. Debrah said the departed would want the nation to rise above its grief and carry forward the ideals they represented—patriotism, selfless leadership, bravery, and service to God and country.

“On this day, I’m certain our comrades would be urging us to wipe away our tears and forge ahead, united as a people and a nation,” Debrah said. “More importantly, they would be imploring us to strive to live by the values they stood for and died for—the values of patriotism, selfless leadership, bravery, and service to their maker and country. This moment reminds us of the spirit of oneness that we have consistently demonstrated across the divide.”

The helicopter crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, including military officers.

In line with the three-day national mourning period declared by the President, Saturday’s ceremony offered a moment of solemn remembrance. The government has also announced that the two Muslim victims—Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed—will be buried in accordance with Islamic tradition. Janazah prayers are scheduled for Sunday, August 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the Forecourt of the State House, followed by interment at the Military Cemetery in Accra.

An inter-denominational state funeral for all the victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square, where the nation will gather to honour their service and enduring legacy.