By Daniel Bampoe
In the wake of a devastating helicopter crash that killed eight senior government and military officials, President John Dramani Mahama has broken his silence, delivering a national address that combined sorrow, resolve, and a firm call for unity.
Speaking solemnly from the Flagstaff House, President Mahama said the country had suffered “a heartbreaking loss,” describing the victims as some of Ghana’s most dedicated public servants and military professionals.
He also announced the formation of an independent investigative board by the Ghana Armed Forces to determine the cause of the crash.
“This is a moment of shared heartbreak,” Mahama said. “It is also a time to reflect on the sacrifices of public service and the preciousness of life. These were gallant men who embodied the very best of Ghana.”
The Victims
Those who perished in the crash were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Aboagye, youth leader and former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East and the three military officers.
John Mahama noted that each of the deceased left behind a powerful legacy of service.
He described Dr. Omane Boamah as a brilliant and devoted leader; Dr. Murtala Mohammed as a tireless champion for the environment; and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed as a humble but highly effective public servant.
Assurance of Transparency
The president acknowledged growing public demand for accountability, stating, “Questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important.”
He assured the nation that a full and transparent investigation is already underway, with the Ghana Armed Forces leading the effort through a special board of inquiry.
According to Mahama, both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—commonly referred to as the “black box”—have been recovered, and all eight bodies have been retrieved.
“The government is in direct communication with the families,” Mahama said, adding that preparations for burial and state honors are ongoing.
National Mourning and Memorial Events
In his address, the president outlined a national schedule of mourning, urging citizens to honour the fallen through unity and compassion, rather than partisanship.
From Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, books of condolence will be open at several locations, including the ministries where the deceased served, the Armed Forces headquarters, the NDC national office, and the NADMO head office.
A state funeral is scheduled for Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square, where all eight will be honoured with full military and civic rites.
A Call for Unity
In a moment of national trauma, Mahama urged Ghanaians to rise above political divisions and unite in grief and solidarity.
“This is not a time for finger-pointing or speculation,” he said. “Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.”
The president offered condolences to the bereaved families, the Ghana Armed Forces, and institutions hit hardest by the tragedy, including the ruling National Democratic Congress. He closed with a prayer for national healing.
“Though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served,” Mahama said. “May God bless their souls, and may God bless our homeland Ghana.”
This is the worst military aviation disaster Ghana has witnessed in recent years, and it comes at a time when the country is already grappling with political tension and economic uncertainty.
