Family members of the eight who lost their lives in the military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, have received the government's compensation package.
Presenting the package at a ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed a commitment to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Ghana.
Describing the ceremony as the fulfilment of a solemn national promise, President Mahama emphasised that while no compensation can replace the lives lost, the government has a duty to ensure that the families left behind receive meaningful and lasting support.
President Mahama also expressed appreciation to corporate organisations, public institutions and individual Ghanaians whose generous contributions strengthened the Children's Support Fund, reaffirming that transparency, accountability and prudent stewardship have guided every stage of the process.
"This is how a grateful nation remembers its heroes - not only through words of tribute, but through enduring acts of care, responsibility and solidarity," President Mahama said.
A series of activities to mark the one-year anniversary of the helicopter crash has been announced.
"As a nation, we must 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,"a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu indicated.
Thursday, July 30, 2026: Official presentation of the State’s support to the families of the ‘Departed 8’.
Thursday, August 6, 2026: National Inter-Faith Memorial Service. The 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, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. The general public is accordingly invited.
Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM: Unveiling of the Cenotaph. The Ministry of Defence will hold an official unveiling of a memorial cenotaph. Attendance is by invitation.
Saturday, August 8, 2026: ‘Service to the Soul’ Nationwide Blood Donation Drive. This national humanitarian effort aims 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.
According to the statement, "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 government called on all Ghanaians to take part in the ‘Service to the Soul’ Nationwide Blood Donation Drive on Saturday, 8 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. 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 added.
