President Mahama Honours Late Ministers and Servicemen on First Anniversary of Fatal Helicopter Crash

Ghana has marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including high-ranking government officials and servicemen. President John Dramani Mahama led the nation in remembrance, unveiling a cenotaph in honour of the late Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah. The crash, which occurred on August 6, 2025, took place while the victims were on a critical mission to combat illegal mining, a priority for the administration’s environmental protection efforts. A solemn memorial service was held at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). The event brought together grieving families, senior government officials, and members of the security services to offer prayers and hymns for the fallen sons of the nation. The atmosphere was one of profound reflection, as attendees recalled the dedication of the officials, politicians, and three servicemen who perished in the line of duty. In a separate tribute, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) honoured the memory of the late Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. A delegation led by Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, visited the Tse Addo Central Mosque in Accra to donate essential prayer and educational items. The donation, which included 200 copies of the Holy Qur’an, prayer mats, and school supplies, was intended to sustain Dr. Mohammed’s legacy of Islamic devotion and charitable works. Chief Imam Alhaji Zakaria Suleman received the items, commending the late minister’s unwavering commitment to Islamic education. The anniversary highlights the ongoing impact of the loss on the Mahama administration and the broader Ghanaian public. The cenotaph unveiled by President Mahama serves as a permanent reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Dr. Omane Boamah and his colleagues. As the nation reflects on this tragedy, the government has reiterated its commitment to the anti-illegal mining mission that the officials were supporting at the time of their death. Additional memorial activities, including a special prayer session led by the National Chief Imam, are expected to conclude the week of remembrance.