By Issah Olegor
In a powerful display of national grief and unity, President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, August 7, 2025, led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Gardens of Jubilee House in honor of the eight individuals who perished in a tragic military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
The ceremony, attended by high-ranking government officials, military chiefs, and grieving families, marked the official start of a three-day national mourning period declared by the government.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, is already being described as one of the most devastating losses of top government and military personnel in Ghana’s recent history.
Among the dead were two sitting cabinet ministers — Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovations and MP for Tamale Central.
Also killed were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East.
The Ghana Air Force also suffered a heavy blow with the loss of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manean Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all of whom were onboard the helicopter when it went down during a scheduled flight to Obuasi.
President Mahama, joined by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and members of the Council of State, laid wreaths in honour of the victims.
The sombre ceremony, held under tight security and national decorum, served as a visible representation of the country’s collective sorrow.
The President and his delegation also offered comfort to the bereaved families, who were visibly distressed as they received national honours on behalf of their fallen relatives.
The helicopter crash has triggered widespread grief across the country, with flags flying at half-mast and social media flooded with tributes.
As part of the mourning period, a national “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 9, at the Forecourt of the State House.
The event is expected to bring together dignitaries, religious leaders, and citizens in a final act of collective remembrance.
Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has indicated that details of the state funeral and burial arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
President Mahama is also expected to deliver a televised address to the nation as part of the official commemorations.
