President Mahama Urges Ghanaians to Channel Helicopter Tragedy Grief into Renewed Commitment and National Progress
President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to transform the grief over the August 6 military helicopter crash into a renewed commitment to national progress.
Speaking at the Evening of Reflections and Memorial held at the Forecourt of the State House on Friday, the President reflected on the deep personal loss he feels for the eight victims, describing them as “dedicated public servants committed to Ghana’s success.”
“They were more than just names in the news. They would not have wanted the country to be paralysed by sorrow, but rather inspired to push forward for a stronger, more prosperous Ghana,” President Mahama stated.
The solemn ceremony formed part of the official three-day national mourning period declared in honour of the deceased — Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; former Obuasi East NDC Parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye; NDC Vice Chairman and former Kumasi Mayor Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and three Ghana Air Force crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The victims were on a national assignment aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft crashed in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. Their remains have been sent to South Africa for DNA testing due to the extent of burns sustained.
Friday’s memorial service, which featured interfaith prayers and tributes from family members, government officials, and state institutions, precedes a state funeral scheduled for August 15 at Black Star Square.
