Mahama Urges Unity as Nation Mourns Eight Killed in Military Helicopter Crash

President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to Ghanaians to set aside political differences and unite in grief following the deadly military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, which claimed eight lives.

In his first national address since the tragedy, President Mahama called for restraint and compassion, urging citizens to avoid politicising the incident.

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, empathy, and the enduring Ghanaian spirit that stands tall when all else fails,” he said.

The President stressed that the sorrow transcends political affiliations, describing it as a shared loss for the entire nation.

“Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost,” he added.

The victims, who were travelling to Obuasi when the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter went off radar and crashed in a dense forest, included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong. Three military officers—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also lost their lives. There were no survivors.

President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning from Thursday, August 7. The period will feature commemorative events, including an Evening of Reflections on Saturday, August 9 at the State House, and the opening of books of condolence at key institutions from Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14.

The mourning will conclude with an inter-denominational state funeral at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, where the nation will honour the eight fallen individuals, described by the President as patriots who died in service to Ghana.

He further assured the public of a full investigation into the cause of the crash, calling on all Ghanaians to mourn not as partisans, but as one united people.