President Mahama’s Speech as he Addresses Nation After Military Helicopter Crash [Full Text]
Good evening, my countrymen and women.
It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I address you tonight. Yesterday, a tragic helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom claimed the lives of eight cherished members of our Ghanaian family. The victims of this accident include five passengers and three dedicated members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Among them were:
§ Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence.
§ Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology.
§ Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
§ Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress.
§ Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO.
§ Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force
§ Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force.
§ Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.
This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me. I shared close bonds with many of these individuals who died. Our nation is grieving. On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones. Know that our entire country mourns with you. We share your pain. Your loss is our loss—a loss of dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who relentlessly worked for a better Ghana.
These eight individuals dedicated their lives to Ghana’s progress. That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment. We have lost some of our nation’s brightest minds.
This is a moment of shared heartbreak, a need to reflect on the preciousness of life, the sacrifices of public service, and our gratitude for those who dedicate themselves to the well-being of Ghana.
Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu, and Sergeant Addo were dedicated members of our Air Force, embodying the best of their profession.
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna was a humble yet effective public servant. Samuel Sarpong was a respected statesman, and Mr. Samuel Aboagye was a promising leader. Dr. Omane Boamah was a brilliant and dedicated leader. Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed was a passionate voice for his constituents and a champion for environmental stewardship.
These gallant men each served Ghana with distinction. As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.
An InvesNgaNve Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash. The flight data and cock pit voice recorders have been retrieved. All eight of the bodies of our departed comrades have been retrieved, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about identification of the bodies and final interment.
In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians – united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity, and now, shared sorrow. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.
This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. 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.
To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy.
May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.
On Saturday, 9th August at 5.00 pm, the nation will gather at the forecourt of the State House for an Evening of Reflection and Memorial in honour of our departed colleagues.
Books of condolence will be opened simultaneously at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO, from Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August 2025.
On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the eight heroes at the Black Star Square.
My brothers and sisters, countrymen and women, may God bless their souls.
May God bless Ghana.
