Former Deputy Transport Minister and Member of Parliament for Tema East, Titus Nii Kwartei Glover; David Theophilus Dominic Vondee, the Member of Parliament for Twifo Atti Morkwa; and media personality Omanhene Kwabena Asante broke down on live TV while reacting to the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of 8 people on August 6.

The three individuals could not hold back the tears as they watched a video of their remains being transported in a sack.

Many Ghanaians are grieving the demise of eight individuals who lost their lives following the tragic helicopter crash in the general area of Sikaman near Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.

The deceased are Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who is the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed—Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary candidate; Squadron leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Mensah.

The news came as a shock to many, and several individuals could not hold back their tears. Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak broke down in tears as the Chief of Staff announced the death of the individuals at the Jubilee House yesterday.

Edward Bawa, former Member of Parliament for Bongo and current CEO and Managing Director of GOIL PLC who was at the residence of the late Murtala Mohammed, could not hold back his tears while engaging a journalist.

Also, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine broke down in tears at Hon. Murtala’s residence while engaging the media.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the victims.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has directed that all flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice.

The deceased are 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; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

Recent development

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations (MoCDTI), in the spirit of solidarity, has entreated members of the general public to desist from circulating videos of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter crash, including photos of the charred remains of the deceased.

In a Short Message Service (SMS), the Ministry noted that “we have become aware of videos and photos circulating on social media of a helicopter crash and the burning bodies of some victims.”

“We ask that, out of respect to the individuals involved, circulation of these videos and photos should stop immediately and all copies deleted. We count on your cooperation," the ministry added, while extending its condolences to the families affected by this tragic incident. "Our prayers are with the families and friends of those impacted," the Ministry stated.

In the same vein, Deputy Government Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has made a plea to the media to be considerate in their coverage of the tragic military helicopter crash.

The samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 have been transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.

Burial for Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, was expected to be conducted on Thursday, August 7, as per Islamic tradition.

However, speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister explained that the recent development was due to the condition of the victims’ remains, adding that the government and families of the deceased are awaiting autopsy results and investigative clearance. According to him, a new date will be fixed after a conclusion has been made.

“The information earlier was that, because of Islamic tradition, the Muslims among them were to be buried today. I am sure those decisions were taken before the actual state of the remains was determined.

“When that was done, it was clear to all that it was going to be practically impossible to carry out any burial today. So, those who had to be communicated to were quickly informed last night, and arrangements were suspended until further notice, or until some examinations are done before new dates are communicated,” Suhuyini added.

The government has released the itinerary for the three days of national mourning declared by the presidency on Wednesday in honour of the departed souls who were involved in the fatal helicopter crash at Adansi on August 6.

In a statement dated August 7, the Presidency declared that the period has been dedicated to honouring the eight who died while en route to fulfil an official duty. It added that it is a period to reflect and remember these comrades as a nation.

“Government wishes to announce programmes for the three days of national mourning, from Thursday, 7 August, to Saturday, 9 August 2025. This solemn period is dedicated to honouring the departed and providing an opportunity for national reflection and remembrance,” the statement mentioned.

On the first day of mourning, which began yesterday, Thursday, August 7, a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency took place to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash. Members of the public, families, and friends were present. President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah shed tears while laying a wreath in honour of the eight victims.

The event continues today, August 8, and although no time was provided, it is presumed to be open throughout the day for public participation. It will still be held at the Ceremonial Garden, Presidency. This is anticipated to provide more time and space for citizens unable to attend Day 1 to pay their respects and join the national act of mourning.

The final day of the mourning period is scheduled for Saturday, marked by an event titled “Evening of Reflections and Memorials.” It will take place at the Forecourt of the State House, starting promptly at 5:00 PM. The event is open to all Ghanaians, including the general public, friends, and family of the departed. “We urge all citizens to observe the period of national mourning with dignity and respect,” the Presidency entreated.

On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the eight individuals who lost their lives.

Books of condolence will be opened simultaneously at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO, from Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August 2025.

President John Mahama has assured the bereaved families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.

He made this known after acknowledging that “as we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important.”

An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash, the president revealed. The president further informed Ghanaians that “the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved.”

The president has called on all and sundry to stand united in this difficult time.

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.

To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy. May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served,” the president remarked.