Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has announced a state funeral for the eight victims of the recent military helicopter crash, scheduled for Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square. In a national broadcast, President Mahama detailed plans for an inter-denominational service and the opening of Books of Condolence from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, at key locations.
According to Ghana News Agency, these locations include the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters, and the head office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). The deceased were en route to attend an anti-illegal mining event in Obuasi when the tragic accident occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region.
The victims included Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; and Mr Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO. The others were Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
President Mahama expressed personal loss, saying, "This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me. I shared close bonds with many of these individuals who died." He extended condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, emphasizing the nation's collective mourning and shared pain for the loss of dedicated public servants and intellectuals.
He honored the victims, describing them as "some of our nation's brightest minds," who were committed to serving the country until their final moments. The President paid tribute to Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu, and Sergeant Addo, praising their dedication to the Air Force.
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna was remembered as "a humble yet effective public servant," Dr Sarpong as "a respected statesman," and Mr Aboagye as "a promising leader." Dr Omane Boamah was hailed as a "brilliant and dedicated leader," while Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed was noted as "a passionate voice for his constituents and a champion for environmental stewardship."
President Mahama acknowledged the need for answers regarding the crash's cause and assured that the Ghana Armed Forces had initiated a thorough investigation. An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been established, and the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved. He confirmed that the bodies of all eight victims have been recovered, with government officials working closely with families on identification and funeral arrangements.
As part of the national mourning, an Evening of Reflections and Memorial will be held on Saturday, August 9, at 1700 hours at the forecourt of the State House.
