President John Dramani Mahama has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others in a tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on August 6, 2025.
In a solemn address to the nation on the evening of August 7, President Mahama described the incident as a deeply personal loss, reflecting on his close ties with several of the victims.
“This tragedy represents personal loss for me. I shared a bond with many of those who died. Our nation is grieving,” the president said.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, assuring them of the nation’s support during this period of mourning.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,” he said.
President Mahama called for national unity and compassion in the face of the tragedy.
“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.”
The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while the officials were en route to Obuasi for an official assignment. The aircraft went down under still-unconfirmed circumstances, killing all eight people on board.
The incident has plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, institutions, and citizens across the country.
The eight individuals who lost their lives were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Earlier in the day, a solemn flower-laying ceremony was held at the Ceremonial Gardens of Jubilee House in honour of the deceased. In attendance were President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, members of the security services, grieving family members, and citizens who gathered in solidarity.
A three-day national mourning period has been declared as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
BY LETICIA OSEI
