President Mahama Calls for Unity and Compassion After Tragic Helicopter Crash Kills Eight Ghanaians, Including Two Ministers

President John Dramani Mahama addressing the nation from the Jubilee House on Thursday night, August 7, 2025

Source: Africa Publicity

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has urged the nation to come together in compassion and solidarity following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two government ministers and six other prominent Ghanaians.

In a solemn national address on Thursday night, August 7, 2025, President Mahama, speaking with “a profoundly heavy heart,” called on his “fellow countrymen and women” to set aside political and personal differences in honour of the victims.

“Let us set aside our differences and offer collective compassion to the bereaved families,” he said, emphasizing that this is not a time for division or political point-scoring. It is a time for unity, strength, and empathy — the true Ghanaian spirit.

President Mahama also confirmed that a board has been established to investigate the cause of the crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The aircraft, a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi, lost contact with air traffic control before going off radar. The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered, and efforts are underway to identify the remains of the victims in collaboration with their families.

“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me,” Mahama said, noting his close relationships with several of the deceased. He described the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, as a “brilliant and dedicated leader,” and hailed the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, as “a champion for environmental stewardship.”

The eight confirmed victims of the crash are:

Government Officials:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister of Defence

• Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

• Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate

• Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the NDC

Crew Members:

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensa

Mourning

A three-day national mourning period has been declared by President Mahama to honour the deceased. As part of the observance, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Ceremonial Gardens of Jubilee House, the seat of government.

The Ghana Armed Forces continues to investigate the incident.