Government has announced a nine-day commemorative programme, from Thursday, July 30 to Saturday, August 7, 2026, to honour the eight distinguished national patriots who lost their lives in the Adansi  helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, while on a state assignment.

In a statement shared by the Presidency on July 30, detailing the activities for the ceremony, indicated that, the programe is intended to help the nation, “pause to remember, honour, and pay tribute to the selflessness, service, and sacrifice of the 'Departed 8'. In solidarity with the bereaved families, the Government, together with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders, and alumni groups, has planned a series of solemn national events”.

The programme is opened to the general public and all interested parties.

“The general public, civil society organisations, religious bodies, media houses, and well-wishers are cordially invited to participate in the scheduled activities”, the statement said.

Programme of Activities:

On Thursday, 30 July , an Official presentation of the State's support to the families of the 'Departed 8' will be held and on Tuesday, 4 August, a Memorial Lecture will be held in honour of Dr Edward Omane Boamah at the Burma Hall, Burma Camp, Accra, starting at 2.00 PM and is being organised by the Ministry of Defence and the old students of Pope John SHS (POJOBA).

National Inter-Faith Memorial Service

Also, on Thursday, 6 August a national service of prayer, worship, and remembrance for the 'Departed 8' will take place at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, beginning at 8.30 AM. In attendance will be the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the Vice President and Chair of the Armed Forces Council, H.E. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Thursday, 6 August 2026 at 4:00 PM: Unveiling of the Cenotaph.

While the first three days activities are open to the public, the Ministry of Defence will hold an official unveiling of a memorial cenotaph which is strictly by invitation.

On Saturday, 7 August a Nationwide Blood Donation Drive will be held under the theme 'Service to the Soul' to fill blood banks and save lives in memory of those who died. The donation campaign will take place in all District, Regional, and Teaching Hospitals nationwide, at the 37 Military Hospital, and other locations to be announced.

Government urges all citizens to partake in the nationwide blood donation to save lives.

“The Government calls on all Ghanaians to take part in the 'Service to the Soul' Nationwide Blood Donation Drive on Saturday, 7 August 2026, by visiting the nearest health facility to give blood. This is an appropriate and life-saving way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes”, the statement said.

The loss of these eight noble individuals remains a deeply painful chapter in our nation's history. However, their spirit of dedication to duty must continue to inspire us as a people.

The statement ended with a call to all Ghanaians to support the families of the fallen August 6 heroes.

“Let us come together in unity, through prayer and with patriotic devotion, as we offer support to the families left behind and keep the memory of the deceased alive.May the souls of the Departed Eight continue to rest in perfect peace”, it noted.