BY Daniel Bampoe
The Black Star Square in Accra was transformed into a sea of grief and solemn reflection on Friday, August 15, 2025, as the nation came together to mourn and honour eight distinguished Ghanaians who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
The state funeral, attended by political leaders from across all the shades, the military high command, diplomats, clergy, and thousands of citizens, captured the collective sorrow of a nation still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Families of the victims wept uncontrollably as tributes poured in, recalling the service, sacrifice, and patriotism of the departed.
A National Tragedy
The fatal crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region as the delegation travelled to Obuasi for the launch of the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining Initiative.
The disaster claimed the lives of four senior government officials, three military officers, and a party stalwart, instantly becoming one of the most devastating aviation accidents in the recent history.
Two of the victims — Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed — were laid to rest earlier on Sunday, August 10.
The six remaining victims were given a joint burial with full military honours on Friday, August 15.
The Fallen 8
The victims are:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate and NADMO Deputy Director General
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Co-pilot
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Aircraft technician
Their coffins, draped in the national colours, were lined up in state, flanked by solemn-faced soldiers and grieving families.
National Unity in Mourning
The ceremony drew dignitaries from across the political spectrum, a rare moment of unity in grief.
President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang led government officials, while former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and former First Ladies Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Rebecca Akufo-Addo and former Second Second Lady, Samira Bawumia were also in attendance.
The military high command, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Chief Imam, and representatives of the Christian and Muslim clergy joined in prayers and tributes.
Tributes and Lasting Legacy
Delivering a moving tribute, Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, described the crash victims as men who “served with pride and fell with honour.”
He praised their dedication and sacrifice, noting that their contributions would continue to shape the doctrines and spirit of the Ghana Armed Forces for years to come.
President Mahama announced the establishment of an Educational Children’s Support Fund to finance the education of the victims’ children from basic school through to university.
He also conferred posthumous promotions on the three Air Force personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
An Emotional Farewell
The military cemetery at Tse Addo became the final resting place for all the eight victims, as the Ghana Air Force and Ghana Armed Forces bands played solemn dirges and a 21-gun salute pierced the silence.
Wreaths were laid in their memory, symbolising the nation’s gratitude for their service.
For the families, however, the grief was deeply personal.
Widows, children, and relatives clung to each other, their tears reflecting the heavy price paid in service of nation and duty.
