President John Dramani Mahama has assured the families of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that the nation continues to share in their grief, a year after the tragedy.
Speaking at an interfaith memorial service on Thursday, August 6 to mark one-year after their passing, the President said no speech or ceremony could erase the pain of losing loved ones, but stressed that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
"Please rest assured that the nation still mourns with you. Your loved ones did not die alone. They belong to all of Ghana, and Ghana will continue to remember them," he said.
President Mahama described remembrance as a national obligation, saying a country that honours those who served it preserves the values on which it is built. He noted that the eight victims, despite their different backgrounds and professions, were united by a shared commitment to serving God and country.
The President also called for greater appreciation of public servants, many of whom work under difficult conditions and make significant personal sacrifices in the service of the nation. He urged Ghanaians to recognise and value their contributions before tragedy strikes.
President Mahama further praised the solidarity shown by citizens, religious groups, traditional leaders and the security services over the past year, saying the collective support for the bereaved families demonstrated Ghana's unity and shared humanity in the face of loss.
'Every leadership decision affects lives' — Mahama urges reflection at helicopter crash memorial
President John Dramani Mahama has called on leaders to reflect on the weight of their responsibilities, stressing that every decision made in public office has a direct impact on people's lives.
He said the tragedy should strengthen the nation's resolve to build stronger institutions, improve safety standards, invest in the welfare of public personnel and ensure that lessons from the crash are never forgotten.
"The greatest memorial we can build is not one made of stone or bronze. It is one that is built through responsible leadership, improved systems, and a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana," he said.
Mahama also urged Ghanaians to honour the memory of the deceased by serving the nation with greater integrity, placing duty above self-interest and treating one another with kindness. He added that the eight victims would be remembered not for the manner of their deaths but for the dedication with which they served God and country.
The President further commended the unity and compassion shown by Ghanaians in supporting the bereaved families, describing the nation's solidarity as one of the most meaningful tributes to those who lost their lives.
Honour victims by serving Ghana
President Mahama called on Ghanaians to honour the memory of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash by serving the nation with greater integrity, selflessness and compassion.
He urged citizens to place duty above self-interest, treat one another with greater kindness and work towards building a Ghana where every citizen feels valued and every sacrifice is remembered.
"As we leave this memorial service today, let us carry with us not only sadness, but also a sense of purpose. Let us honour the departed by serving our nation with greater integrity. Let us honour them by placing duty above self-interest."
"Let us honour them by treating one another with greater kindness. Let us honour them by building a Ghana where every citizen feels that their service matters and every sacrifice is remembered," he stated.
The President said although a year had passed since the tragedy, the pain of losing the eight public servants remained, adding that their legacy would be defined not by the circumstances of their deaths but by the commitment with which they served God and country.
Mahama expressed hope that their memory would continue to inspire national unity and strengthen Ghana's resolve to build a better future, while praying for eternal rest for the departed and comfort for their bereaved families.
"My fellow citizens, our faith teaches us that death is not the end. Whether we are Christian or Muslim, whether guided by traditional beliefs or by another path of faith, we all hold on to the conviction that every life has meaning beyond the years we count on earth."
"And that is why we have gathered today in an interfaith service. We come from different traditions, but we lift up one prayer. We come with different expressions of worship, but with one shared hope," he said.
Appreciate public servants before disaster strikes
President Mahama called on Ghanaians to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of public servants while they are still alive, rather than waiting until tragedy strikes.
Mr Mahama noted that many public servants work under difficult conditions, spend long periods away from their families, make critical decisions under pressure and willingly accept risks because they believe in Ghana's progress.
"Today we must resolve to appreciate public service even as it is performed daily. To appreciate those who labour faithfully, often without recognition, because they believe in something that is greater than themselves," he said.
The President described the helicopter crash as a national tragedy that underscored the fragility of life and the sacred nature of public service.
He urged Ghanaians to honour the memory of the eight victims by recognising the dedication and sacrifices of those who continue to serve the country every day.
The memorial service marks one year since the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region.
Among the victims are Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who formed part of the helicopter crew — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also lost their lives in the incident.
The one-year commemoration brought together government officials, religious leaders, family members and members of the public to honour the memory of the eight individuals and reflect on their contributions to national service.
The memorial service marks one year since the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region.
Among the victims are Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who formed part of the helicopter crew — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also lost their lives in the incident.
The one-year commemoration brought together government officials, religious leaders, family members and members of the public to honour the memory of the eight individuals and reflect on their contributions to national service.
