President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning in honour of the victims of the Adansi fatal helicopter crash yesterday, including high-profile government officials.

In a statement dated August 6, shared by the Presidency yesterday, the president ordered that all his scheduled meetings be cancelled for the rest of the week.

"President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all his scheduled activities and programmes for the rest of the week, following Wednesday's national tragedy involving eight persons who died in a helicopter crash.

"There will be three days of national mourning starting tomorrow, Thursday, 7 August 2025", parts of the statement read.

The president reiterated that all flags must be flown at half-mast until further notice.

"The government, through the Chief of Staff, has meanwhile directed that all flags must fly at half-mast until further notice".

The directive comes after a fatal helicopter crash claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and is being described by the government as a national tragedy.

Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The Minister, MP and the other six, including the pilots serving in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), were en route for a state assignment. In the early hours of Wednesday, the GAF announced that the helicopter carrying the deceased had gone off their radar.

Hours later, reports of a crash were announced until the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, officially confirmed their demise in a press conference at the Jubilee House in the afternoon.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah directed that all flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice as the country mourns the death of the 8 individuals following the crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

He revealed the identities of the deceased individuals after the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter Z9, which took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

The Ghana Armed Forces has informed the general public that it has commenced investigations into the unfortunate incident.

President Mahama, who is said to be deeply shaken by the news, expressed his profound sorrow and pledged that the state would honour the memory and service of the departed. "This is not just a loss to the families, but a loss to the nation," the President said in a brief remark shared through his communications team.

Following the death of these statemen, several tributes have poured in, some from the general public, members of the Minority and even beyond Ghana.

The Council of State described the victims as “patriotic individuals who served our country with honour, diligence, and devotion,” urging citizens to uphold the values they embodied. The Minority Caucus in Parliament issued a heartfelt statement: “Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief,” and praised the ministers for their intellect, patriotism, and commitment to Ghana’s future.

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia posted on X: “The fallen men paid the ultimate price in the service of our motherland, leaving a shocked nation in pain.” Minister Emelia Arthur wrote, “Farewell, my brother. I will remember the specific conversation we had forever.” Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu honored Murtala Mohammed, saying, “Your commendable efforts have created a legacy that inspires and uplifts our nation”.

Globally, leaders and institutions expressed solidarity. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the loss was not just Ghana’s but Africa’s. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan called the ministers “committed public servants” whose legacy should inspire future generations. The African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina described the tragedy as “devastating”.

The United Nations in Ghana, through Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury, mourned the loss as a “national wound” and pledged continued support for Ghana during its mourning period. Kenyan President William Ruto extended condolences and assured Ghana of Kenya’s prayers and solidarity.

Profile of Defense Minister

Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah is a prominent Ghanaian politician, medical doctor, and Health Policy Planning and Financing Analyst with a rich background in strategic negotiation, solution-oriented leadership, environmental security and ICT including cybersecurity.

He possesses a strong educational foundation from esteemed institutions, including the University of Ghana Medical School, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Harvard University.

His diverse educational background empowers him to merge his medical expertise with a deep understanding of financial planning and strategic analysis when solving complex challenges.

Dr. Omane Boamah has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in various key roles. As Minister for Communications and Spokesperson for the President of Ghana, he championed several vital cybersecurity initiatives including Child Online Protection and led the rollout of the Government of Ghana's 4G LTE network (GOTA) which provides enhanced communication capabilities for security agencies.

As a former Civilian Employee of the Ministry of Defence, he has an unwavering commitment to national and human security. His innovative thinking and excellent negotiation skills, positions him as a forward-thinking leader, ready to address the complexities of modern security challenges and an advocate for the institution's dignity and well-being of service women and men.

Profile of Environment Minister

Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed was a distinguished Ghanaian politician, educator, and public servant who played a significant role in shaping national policy and advocating for sustainable development.

Born on December 14, 1974, in the Northern Region of Ghana, he pursued his education at Tamale College of Education, the University of Ghana, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, earning a Master of Arts in Development Studies along with additional qualifications in international relations and development planning.

He began his political career as a Member of Parliament for the Nanton Constituency in 2013 and later represented the Tamale Central Constituency.

Over the years, he served as Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations and Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry. In February 2025, he was appointed Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, a role in which he championed environmental sustainability and technological advancement.

Murtala Mohammed was known for his bold speeches, grassroots engagement, and commitment to public service. He was deeply religious, respected within both political and Islamic communities, and maintained a private family life as a married father of three.