Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has charged all Ghanaians to transform their grief over the demise of the eight individuals following the helicopter crash on August 6 into

Speaking at the “Evening of Reflections and Memorials," which took place at the Forecourt of the State House during the final day of the mourning period for the eight individuals on Saturday, August 9, she stated that "this is not a time for perfect words nor a time for the right thoughts, because there are none.”

However, “it is a time for wishing our colleagues, who have perished in the line of duty, peaceful rest. It is a time for praying for comfort for their families and for everyone."

“It is a time too for the rest of us… to renew our pledge to work in ways that truly advance our country as they have tried to do," she added.

On his part, President John Dramani Mahama expressed hope that the demise of the individuals during the August 6th helicopter crash will not plummet the nation into darkness.

He believes that the fond memories Ghanaians hold of them will provide a light in the period of devastation.

“I pray that the cherished memories of these, our loved ones, will serve as a guiding light, illuminating a path through the darkness and devastation of this national tragedy.”

He added: “I stand before you tonight additionally, and quite humbly, as a person who is also personally grieving the departed. Each of the eight persons in that helicopter was either a friend, a cherished colleague, or a valued citizen of this country that I lead.”

The event was opened to all Ghanaians, including the general public, friends, and family of the departed.

On the first day of mourning, which began, 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 public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash continued on August 8.

It was held at the Ceremonial Garden, Presidency. This provided more time and space for citizens unable to attend Day 1 to pay their respects and join the national act of mourning.

The government 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.

Background

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.

Hours later, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.

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

Last week, 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 were 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.

Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, the two Muslims who were part of the eight lives lost in the helicopter crash will be laid to rest today in accordance with Islamic Tradition, Custom and Practices.

On Sunday, August 10, at 2pm, Muslim Jannaza prayers will be offered at the forecourt of State House. At 2:30pm on the same day, they will be buried at the Military Cemetery, Accra.

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.