Ghana Holds Emotional State Funeral for Helicopter Crash Victims
Accra, Ghana - August 15, 2025 - Ghana laid to rest six of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that claimed the lives of prominent government officials and military personnel. The state funeral, held at the Black Star Square, was attended by thousands of mourners, including government officials, military high command, bereaved families, and citizens from across the country.
The Ceremony
The interfaith burial service was a poignant tribute to the lives and service of the crash victims and featured Quranic recitations, hymns, and patriotic songs, creating a tapestry of national and spiritual mourning.
The Victims
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah: Minister of Defence
- Samuel Aboagye: Former parliamentary candidate
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong: Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala: Ghana Air Force pilot, posthumously promoted to Wing Commander
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu: Ghana Air Force co-pilot, posthumously promoted to Flight Lieutenant
- Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah: Aircrew member, posthumously promoted to Flight Sergeant
The Funeral Proceedings
The ceremony began with an interfaith service at the Black Star Square, featuring tributes from family, colleagues, and institutions. President John Dramani Mahama delivered a heartfelt address, praising the victims for their dedication and service to the nation. He announced the creation of a Children's Support Fund to cater to the education, healthcare, and welfare of the victims' children, with an initial donation of GH¢500,000 from Stanbic Bank.
Burial at Military Cemetery
The remains of the six victims were laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Accra, with full military honors. The burial ceremony was attended by President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and other dignitaries, who laid wreaths in memory of the fallen heroes.
Tributes and Reflections
The state funeral was marked by emotional tributes from family members, colleagues, and government officials. The victims were remembered for their courage, integrity, and devotion to Ghana's peace and progress. President Mahama described them as having "led from the front" with "courage, integrity, and an inspiring devotion to Ghana".
The helicopter, a Harbin Z-9EH, was traveling from Kotoka International Airport in Accra to Obuasi when it lost radar contact and crashed. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Source – Lead News Online/Jeff Ago
