Ghana Pays Respects: Somber Ceremony Held for Helicopter Crash Victims
Accra, Ghana – 7 August, 2025 - A somber ceremony was held at the Air Force Base in Accra on Wednesday night, where the remains of eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter crash were received.
The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, led a high-powered government delegation to receive the remains of the deceased. Standing alongside senior military officers and state dignitaries, Debrah received the coffins draped in the national flag, as prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief as Ghana paid tribute to the eight public servants and service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
President John Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period, with all national flags ordered to fly at half-mast in honour of the fallen. The nation remains united in sorrow, reflecting on the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the deceased.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the nation awaits answers on what led to the tragic incident. The helicopter, a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9, was reportedly en route to Obuasi when it lost contact with air control and crashed in a forest area near Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
Tributes have been pouring in from citizens, politicians, and international partners, with many paying respects to the victims and their families. The United Nations in Ghana has also issued a statement of condolences to the nation and families of the government officials who lost their lives in the crash.
Source – Lead News Online/Shiela Amerley Biala
