President Mahama Leads National Memorial Honoring Victims of 2025 Military Helicopter Crash

President John Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang led the nation on August 6, 2026, in a solemn National Inter-Faith Memorial Service to honor the eight victims of the tragic military helicopter crash that occurred exactly one year prior. Held at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, the service brought together government officials, military leadership, religious heads, and bereaved families to commemorate the lives of those lost, including the late Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah. The event served as both a tribute to the fallen and a moment of national reflection on the sacrifices made by public servants in the line of duty.

Addressing the congregation, President Mahama emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of public service personnel, noting that their protection remains a paramount national priority. To provide tangible support to the families left behind, the President announced a comprehensive state support package, which includes the establishment of GH
1 million trust funds for every child of the deceased victims. The Ministry of Defence also confirmed the unveiling of a memorial cenotaph to serve as a permanent monument to their service, while a nationwide blood donation exercise is scheduled for August 8, 2026, to conclude the commemorative activities.

The service was marked by poignant reflections from the families of the deceased. Naval Lieutenant Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, the widow of Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, spoke on behalf of the bereaved spouses, describing the past year as a journey of profound grief sustained by faith and community support. Similarly, Percy Anala, representing the family of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, and Charles Ohene Oti, representing the family of Dr. Omane Boamah, expressed deep gratitude for the nation's solidarity during their time of loss. They urged Ghanaians to keep the families in their prayers, noting that while the year has passed, the void left by their loved ones remains deeply felt.

Religious leaders and military officials, including Brigadier General Kumi-Woode, called for national unity and a renewed spirit of service to the state. They urged the public to honor the legacies of the victims by serving Ghana with the same integrity and dedication they demonstrated throughout their careers. The interfaith service, featuring prayers from various denominations, highlighted the values of sacrifice and patriotism that the eight individuals embodied. As the nation remembers this tragedy, the government reiterated its resolve to learn from the official investigations into the crash and ensure the continued safety of Ghana's security and public officials.