President Mahama pays emotional tribute to helicopter crash victims, announces state funeral
President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a solemn and emotionally charged national address following Wednesday’s military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, describing the incident as a “deep personal loss” and a tragedy of national significance.
Speaking from Jubilee House on Thursday night, the President expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, many of whom he described as close friends, colleagues, and committed public servants.
“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me. I shared a close bond with many of those individuals who died. Our nation is grieving, and on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and their loved ones,” he said.
President Mahama stressed that the entire country was united in mourning, noting that the victims had dedicated their lives to the progress and well-being of Ghana. “Your loss is our loss — a loss of dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who tirelessly worked for a better Ghana.”
Among those who perished in the crash were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and other senior military and political figures. The President paid tribute to each of the victims by name, highlighting their contributions to the nation.
He acknowledged Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu and Sergeant Addo as “dedicated members of our Air Force,” Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna as “a humble yet effective public servant,” Samuel Sarpong as “a respected statesman,” Samuel Aboagye as “a promising young leader,” and Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed as “brilliant and passionate voices” in governance and environmental stewardship.
“These gallant men each served Ghana with distinction. That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment,” the President said.
Addressing the natural concerns about the cause of the crash, President Mahama announced that the Ghana Armed Forces had initiated a full and transparent investigation. He revealed that an investigative board of inquiry had been constituted and that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder had been recovered.
“All eight of the bodies of our departed comrades have been retrieved, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about identification of the bodies and final interment,” he added.
The President also called for national unity and restraint in the face of grief. “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 has failed.”
To honour the memory of the victims, a national memorial will be held on Saturday, August 9, at 5 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House. Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, at various locations including the Ministries of Defence and Environment, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) head office, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The President announced that a full inter-denominational state funeral will take place on Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square.
“May we all be comforted by the knowledge that though they are gone from our sights, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served. May God bless their souls, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana,” President Mahama concluded.
