President Mahama leads nation in honouring eight victims of 2025 helicopter crash

President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday led the nation in paying tribute to the eight people who lost their lives in the tragic military helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, describing their sacrifice as one that must remain etched in Ghana’s national memory.

Speaking at the National Interfaith Memorial Service to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy, President Mahama said the solemn gathering was not only to mourn the departed but also to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to honouring their service and supporting the families they left behind.

“Today is one of those days when a nation deliberately slows its pace, not because history demands it but because memory does,” the President said.

He recalled the shock that gripped the country when news broke on the morning of August 6, 2025, that a military helicopter carrying eight distinguished Ghanaians had crashed while on national duty.

“In a single tragic moment, eight precious lives were cut short in a helicopter accident while in service of our nation,” he said, noting that the tragedy left the entire country united in grief.

President Mahama said the anniversary should serve as a reminder that the nation has a duty to remember those who dedicated their lives to public service.

“A country that forgets those who served it slowly forgets the values on which it is built. Memory is not simply about looking backwards. It is an act of national character and value,” he stated.

He observed that the eight victims came from different backgrounds and professions but were united by their commitment to serving Ghana.

“They answered the call to serve God and country. None of them boarded that helicopter expecting that it would be their final journey,” he said.

The President used the occasion to acknowledge the sacrifices made daily by public servants, many of whom work under difficult conditions and away from their families in pursuit of national development.

He urged Ghanaians to appreciate the contributions of public servants while they are alive, rather than waiting until tragedy strikes.

Addressing the bereaved families, President Mahama conveyed the deepest condolences of the government and the people of Ghana, assuring them that the nation continues to share in their grief.

“You have borne your grief with remarkable courage and dignity over the past year. Your loved ones did not die alone. They belong to all of Ghana, and Ghana will continue to remember them,” he said.

The President also called on leaders across the country to reflect on the responsibility that comes with public office, stressing that every decision taken by those in authority affects lives.

He said the painful lessons from the crash should inspire efforts to strengthen institutions, improve safety standards and invest in the welfare of personnel serving the nation.

“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 and a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana,” he said.

President Mahama further urged Ghanaians to remain united in faith and compassion, noting that the interfaith memorial reflected the country’s shared belief that every life has meaning beyond death.

“As we leave this memorial service today, let us carry with us not only sadness, but also a sense of purpose. Let us honour the departed by serving our nation with greater integrity, placing duty above self-interest and treating one another with greater kindness,” he said.

The names of the departed eight includes;

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence

Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress

Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate

Sergeant Leader –Peter Bafemi Anala

Flying Officer –Manin Twum-Ampadu

Sergeant -Ernest Addo Mensah