President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to unite in grief and resist speculation following Wednesday’s helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom that claimed eight lives, including senior government officials, military officers, and party leaders.
Addressing the nation on Thursday evening, the President described the tragedy as “a profoundly heavy” personal and national loss, revealing close personal ties to many of the victims.
“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,” the President said.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, empathy, and unity,” he emphasised.
Among the dead were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Environment, Science and Technology Minister and Tamale Central MP, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; Deputy NADMO Director-General Samuel Aboagye; and three Ghana Air Force personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
The President confirmed that the Ghana Armed Forces has begun a full and transparent investigation, adding that a board of inquiry has been constituted, and both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved.
National mourning events will begin with an Evening of Reflection and Memorial on Saturday, August 9, at the State House forecourt. Books of condolence will be opened from August 10–14 at key ministries, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the NDC head office, and NADMO headquarters.
A state funeral will follow on Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square.
