The nation came together in sorrow and remembrance on Thursday, August 7, 2025, as a solemn wreath-laying and candlelight ceremony was held at Jubilee House to honor the eight individuals who perished in a tragic military helicopter crash.
The accident occurred on Wednesday in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, leaving the country in mourning.
President John Dramani Mahama led the heartfelt tribute at the Ceremonial Gardens, joined by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and numerous other government officials and dignitaries. The ceremony was also attended by families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, as well as members of the security services, all united in grief.
The event was part of a three-day national mourning period declared by the government to pay respects to those who were lost. Among the victims were two prominent government ministers: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
The country also paid tribute to Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and three brave Ghana Air Force crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The ceremony was a deeply moving event, marked by the laying of wreaths, moments of profound silence, and the lighting of candles to symbolize the enduring memory of the departed. The national mourning will continue until Saturday, August 9, concluding with an “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” at the Forecourt of the State House.
Details regarding the state funeral and burial arrangements for the victims are anticipated to be released in the coming days.
